Systems and methods for phototherapeutic modulation of nitric oxide

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for phototherapeutic modulation of nitric oxide in mammalian tissue include use of a first wavelength and first radiant flux of light to stimulate enzymatic generation of nitric oxide, and use of a second wavelength and second radiant flux of light to stimulate release of nitric oxide from endogenous stores of nitric oxide. Pulsed light and/or partially non-overlapping light impingement windows may be used. Non-coherent light impinged on tissue may include a peak wavelength in a range of from 410 nm to 440 nm in the absence of light emissions having a peak wavelength of from 600 nm to 900 nm.

STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/898,385, filed Jun. 10, 2020, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/709,550, filed Dec. 10, 2019, nowU.S. Pat. No. 11,524,173, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/222,199, filed Jul. 28, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No.10,525,275, which in turn claims the benefit of provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/197,746, filed Jul. 28, 2015, the disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for allpurposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for phototherapeuticstimulation of nitric oxide production and/or release in tissues ofmammalian subjects.

BACKGROUND

The term “phototherapy” relates to the therapeutic use of light. Variouslight therapies (e.g., including low level light therapy (LLLT) andphotodynamic therapy (PDT)) have been publicly reported or claimed toprovide various health related medical benefits—including, but notlimited to: promoting hair growth; treatment of skin or tissueinflammation; promoting tissue or skin healing or rejuvenation;enhancing wound healing; pain management; reduction of wrinkles, scars,stretch marks, varicose veins, and spider veins; treating cardiovasculardisease; treating erectile dysfunction; treating microbial infections;treating hyperbilirubinemia; and treating various oncological andnon-oncological diseases or disorders. Various mechanisms by whichphototherapy has been suggested to provide therapeutic benefits include:increasing circulation (e.g., by increasing formation of newcapillaries); stimulating the production of collagen; stimulating therelease of adenosine triphosphate (ATP); enhancing porphyrin production;reducing excitability of nervous system tissues; modulating fibroblastactivity; increasing phagocytosis; inducing thermal effects; stimulatingtissue granulation and connective tissue projections; reducinginflammation; and stimulating acetylcholine release.

Phototherapy has also been suggested to stimulate cells to generatenitric oxide. Various biological functions attributed to nitric oxideinclude roles as signaling messenger, cytotoxin, antiapoptotic agent,antioxidant, and regulator of microcirculation. Nitric oxide isrecognized to relax vascular smooth muscles, dilate blood vessels,inhibit aggregation of platelets, and modulate T cell-mediate immuneresponse.

Nitric oxide is produced by multiple cell types in tissue, and is formedby the conversion of the amino acid L-arginine to L-citrulline andnitric oxide, mediated by the enzymatic action of nitric oxide synthases(NOSs). NOS is a NADPH-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the followingreaction:

L-arginine+3/2NADPH+H⁺+2O₂

citrulline+nitric oxide+3/2NADP⁺

In mammals, three distinct genes encode NOS isozymes: neuronal (nNOS orNOS-I), cytokine-inducible (iNOS or NOS-II), and endothelial (eNOS orNOS-III), iNOS and nNOS are soluble and found predominantly in thecytosol, while eNOS is membrane associated. Many cells in mammalssynthesize iNOS in response to inflammatory conditions.

Skin has been documented to upregulate inducible nitric oxide synthaseexpression and subsequent production of nitric oxide in response toirradiation stress. Nitric oxide serves a predominantly anti-oxidantrole in the high levels generated in response to radiation.

Nitric oxide is a free radical capable of diffusing across membranes andinto various tissues; however, it is very reactive, with a half-life ofonly a few seconds. Due to its unstable nature, nitric oxide rapidlyreacts with other molecules to form more stable products. For example,in the blood, nitric oxide rapidly oxidizes to nitrite, and is thenfurther oxidized with oxyhaemoglobin to produce nitrate. Nitric oxidealso reacts directly with oxyhaemoglobin to produce methaemoglobin andnitrate. Nitric oxide is also endogenously stored on a variety ofnitrosated biochemical structures including nitrosoglutathione (GSNO),nitrosoalbumin, nitrosohemoglobin, and a large number of nitrosocysteineresidues on other critical blood/tissue proteins. The term “nitroso” isdefined as a nitrosated compound (nitrosothiols (RSNO) or nitrosamines(RNNO)), via either S- or N-nitrosation. Examples of nitrosatedcompounds include GSNO, nitrosoalbumin, nitrosohemoglobin, and proteinswith nitrosated cysteine residue. Metal nitrosyl (M-NO) complexes areanother endogenous store of circulating nitric oxide, most commonlyfound as ferrous nitrosyl complexes in the body; however, metal nitrosylcomplexes are not restricted to complexes with iron-containing metalcenters, since nitrosation also occurs at heme groups and coppercenters. Examples of metal nitrosyl complexes include cytochrome coxidase (CCO-NO) (exhibiting 2 heme and 2 copper binding sites),cytochrome c (exhibiting heme center binding), and nitrosylhemoglobin(exhibiting heme center binding for hemoglobin and methemoglobin),embodying endogenous stores of nitric oxide.

FIG. 1 is a reaction sequence showing photoactivated production ofnitric oxide catalyzed by iNOS, followed by binding of nitric oxide toCCO.

When nitric oxide is auto-oxidized into nitrosative intermediates, thenitric oxide is bound covalently in the body (in a “bound” state). Thus,conventional efforts to produce nitric oxide in tissue may have alimited therapeutic effect, since nitric oxide in its “gaseous” state isshort-lived, and cells being stimulated to produce nitric oxide maybecome depleted of NADPH or L-Arginine to sustain nitric oxideproduction.

SUMMARY

Certain aspects of the disclosure relate to phototherapeutic modulationof nitric oxide in living mammalian tissue, including use of lighthaving a first peak wavelength and a first radiant flux to releasenitric oxide from endogenous stores of nitric oxide, and use of lighthaving a second peak wavelength and a second radiant flux to stimulateenzymatic generation of nitric oxide to increase endogenous stores ofnitric oxide, wherein the second peak wavelength differs from the firstpeak wavelength.

In a first aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of modulatingnitric oxide in living mammalian tissue. The method includes impinginglight having a first peak wavelength on the tissue at a first radiantflux, wherein the first peak wavelength and the first radiant flux areselected to stimulate enzymatic generation of nitric oxide to increaseendogenous stores of nitric oxide. The method further includes impinginglight having a second peak wavelength on the tissue at a second radiantflux, wherein the second peak wavelength and the second radiant flux areselected to release nitric oxide from the endogenous stores, wherein thesecond peak wavelength is greater than the first peak wavelength by atleast 25 nm, by at least 50 nm, or another threshold specified herein.In certain embodiments, each of the first radiant flux and the secondradiant flux is in a range of from 5 mW/cm² to 60 mW/cm².

In certain embodiments, the enzymatic generation of nitric oxide ismediated by iNOS, nNOS, and/or eNOS in or proximate to the tissue. Incertain embodiments, the endogenous stores of nitric oxide comprisenitrosoglutathione, nitrosoalbumin, nitrosohemoglobin, nitrosothiols,nitrosamines, and/or metal nitrosyl complexes in or proximate to thetissue.

In certain embodiments, the method further includes sensing atemperature condition on or proximate to (a) a therapeutic devicearranged to emit at least one of the light having the first peakwavelength or the light having the second peak wavelength, or (b) thetissue; generating at least one signal indicative of the temperaturecondition; and controlling at least one of the following items (i) or(ii) responsive to the at least one signal: (i) impingement of lighthaving the first peak wavelength on the tissue, or (ii) impingement oflight having the second peak wavelength on the tissue.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a device for modulatingnitric oxide in living mammalian tissue. The device includes means forimpinging light having a first peak wavelength on the tissue at a firstradiant flux, wherein the first peak wavelength and the first radiantflux are selected to stimulate enzymatic generation of nitric oxide toincrease endogenous stores of nitric oxide. The device further includesmeans for impinging light having a second peak wavelength on the tissueat a second radiant flux, wherein the second peak wavelength and thesecond radiant flux are selected to release nitric oxide from theendogenous stores, wherein the second peak wavelength is greater thanthe first peak wavelength by at least 25 nm.

In certain embodiments, the device further includes means for sensing atemperature condition on or proximate to (a) the device or (b) thetissue; means for generating at least one signal indicative of thetemperature condition; and means for controlling at least one of thefollowing items (i) or (ii) responsive to the at least one signal: (i)impingement of light having the first peak wavelength on the tissue, or(ii) impingement of light having the second peak wavelength on thetissue.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to another device formodulating nitric oxide in living mammalian tissue. The device includesat least one first light emitting device configured to impinge lighthaving a first peak wavelength on the tissue at a first radiant flux,wherein the first peak wavelength and the first radiant flux areselected to release nitric oxide from endogenous stores of nitric oxide.The device further includes at least one second light emitting deviceconfigured to impinge light having a second peak wavelength on thetissue at a second radiant flux, wherein the second peak wavelength andthe second radiant flux are selected to stimulate enzymatic generationof nitric oxide to increase endogenous stores of nitric oxide, whereinthe second peak wavelength exceeds the first peak wavelength by at least25 nm, at least 50 nm, or another threshold specified herein. In certainembodiments, the device further includes driver circuitry configured todrive the at least one first light emitting device and the at least onesecond light emitting device. In certain embodiments, each of the firstradiant flux and the second radiant flux is in a range of from 5 mW/cm²to 60 mW/cm².

In certain embodiments, the device further includes at least one thirdlight emitting device configured to impinge light having a third peakwavelength on the tissue, wherein the third peak wavelength differs fromeach of the first peak wavelength and the second peak wavelength by atleast 10 nm.

In certain embodiments, the device further includes a temperature sensorarranged to sense a temperature condition on or proximate to at leastone of (a) a portion of the device or (b) the tissue, wherein at leastone of initiation of operation, deviation of operation, or terminationof operation of any of (i) the at least one first light emitting deviceor (ii) the at least one second light emitting device is responsive toan output signal of the temperature sensor.

In certain embodiments, the device further includes a flexible substratesupporting the at least one first light emitting device and the at leastone second light emitting device.

In certain embodiments, the device further includes a light-transmissive(e.g., encapsulant) material layer covering the at least one first lightemitting device, the at least one second light emitting device, and atleast a portion of the flexible substrate.

In certain embodiments, the device further includes a plurality of holesdefined in the flexible substrate and the light-transmissive materiallayer, wherein the plurality of holes are arranged to permit transittherethrough of at least one of air, vapor, or exudate.

In certain embodiments, the device is configured to contact, beconnected to, or conform to a skin or other tissue of a patient with atleast a portion of the light-transmissive material layer arranged incontact with the skin or other tissue of the patient. In otherembodiments, the device is configured to be spatially separated from atargeted irradiation area, such as being arranged not to contact tissueof the patient.

In certain embodiments, the device further includes a substantiallyrigid substrate supporting the at least one first light emitting deviceand the at least one second light emitting device, wherein at least aportion of the device is configured for insertion into a body cavity ofa patient.

In certain embodiments, the device further includes at least onewaveguide arranged between (i) the tissue and (ii) at least one of theat least one first light emitting device or the at least one secondlight emitting device.

In certain embodiments, the device further includes a light scatteringmaterial, a textured light scattering surface, or a patterned lightscattering surface arranged between (i) the tissue and (ii) at least oneof the at least one first light emitting device or the at least onesecond light emitting device.

In certain embodiments, the device further includes an energy storageelement arranged to supply power to the driver circuitry.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a device for deliveringlight energy to tissue of a patient. The device includes at least onefirst solid state light emitting device configured to impinge lighthaving a first peak wavelength on the tissue. The device furtherincludes at least one second solid state light emitting deviceconfigured to impinge light having a second peak wavelength on thetissue. The device additionally includes driver circuitry configured todrive the at least one first solid state light emitting device and theat least one second solid state light emitting device. The first peakwavelength and the second peak wavelength are selected from one of thefollowing combinations (a) to (g): (a) the first peak wavelength is in arange of from 410 nm to 490 nm and the second peak wavelength is in arange of from 500 nm to 600 nm; (b) the first peak wavelength is in arange of from 620 nm to 640 nm and the second peak wavelength is in arange of from 650 nm to 670 nm; (c) the first peak wavelength is in arange of from 520 nm to 540 nm and the second peak wavelength is in arange of from 650 nm to 670 nm; (d) the first peak wavelength is in arange of from 400 nm to 420 nm and the second peak wavelength is in arange of from 620 nm to 640 nm; (e) the first peak wavelength is in arange of from 400 nm to 420 nm and the second peak wavelength is in arange of from 650 nm to 670 nm; (f) the first peak wavelength is in arange of from 400 nm to 420 nm and the second peak wavelength is in arange of from 495 nm to 515 nm; or (g) the first peak wavelength is in arange of from 400 nm to 420 nm and the second peak wavelength is in arange of from 516 nm to 545 nm. In certain embodiments, the first peakwavelength is in a range of from 400 nm to 420 nm and the second peakwavelength is in a range of from 525 nm to 535 nm.

In certain embodiments, the device further includes a temperature sensorarranged to sense a temperature condition on or proximate to at leastone of (a) a portion of the device or (b) the tissue, wherein at leastone of initiation of operation, deviation of operation, or terminationof operation of at least one of (i) the at least one first solid statelight emitting device or (ii) the at least one second solid state lightemitting device is responsive to an output signal of the temperaturesensor.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of modulatingnitric oxide in living mammalian tissue, the method comprising:impinging light on the tissue, wherein the light impinged on the tissuecomprises incoherent light emissions including a first peak wavelengthin a range of from 410 nm to 440 nm and a first radiant flux, andwherein the first peak wavelength and the first radiant flux areselected to stimulate at least one of (i) enzymatic generation of nitricoxide to increase endogenous stores of nitric oxide or (ii) release ofnitric oxide from endogenous stores of nitric oxide; wherein the lightimpinged on the tissue is substantially devoid of light emissions havinga peak wavelength in a range of from 600 nm to 900 nm.

In certain embodiments, the light impinged on the tissue is devoid ofemissions of any wavelength conversion material stimulated by incoherentlight emissions including a first peak wavelength in a range of from 410nm to 440 nm. In certain embodiments, the tissue is devoid of an appliedor received photosensitive therapeutic compound or agent. In certainembodiments, at least 65% (or at least 80%, or at least 90%) of afluence of light impinged on the tissue consists of the incoherent lightemissions including a first peak wavelength in a range of from 410 to440 nm. In certain embodiments, the light impinged on the tissue issubstantially devoid of light emissions having a peak wavelength in arange of from 441 nm to 490 nm. In certain embodiments, the incoherentlight emissions including a first peak wavelength in a range of from 410nm to 440 nm are provided as a plurality of discrete pulses. In certainembodiments, the light impinged on the tissue further comprisesincoherent light emissions including a second peak wavelength in a rangeof from 500 nm to 540 nm. In certain embodiments, the incoherent lightemissions including a first peak wavelength in a range of from 410 nm to440 nm are impinged on the tissue during a first time window, theincoherent light emissions including a second peak wavelength in a rangeof from 500 nm to 540 nm are impinged on the tissue during a second timewindow, and at least a portion of the second time window isnon-overlapping with the first time window. In certain embodiments, thefirst peak wavelength and the first radiant flux are selected to releaseendogenous stores of nitric oxide. In certain embodiments, the secondpeak wavelength and the second radiant flux are selected to stimulateenzymatic generation of nitric oxide to increase endogenous stores ofnitric oxide. In certain embodiments, the tissue comprises at least oneof epithelial tissue, mucosal tissue, bone, connective tissue, muscletissue, or cervical tissue. In certain embodiments, the tissue comprisesdermal tissue. In certain embodiments, a method further comprisessensing a temperature condition on or proximate to (a) a therapeuticdevice arranged to impinge light on the tissue, or (b) the tissue;generating at least one signal indicative of the temperature condition;and controlling impingement of light on the tissue responsive to the atleast one signal. In certain embodiments, the light impinged on thetissue comprises a fluence of from about 0.5 J/cm² to about 100 J/cm²,or from about 5 J/cm² to about 50 J/cm².

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a device for modulatingnitric oxide in living mammalian tissue, the device comprising: anambient light blocking element; and at least one first light emittingelement positioned between the ambient light blocking element and thetissue, wherein the at least one first light emitting element isconfigured to impinge incoherent light on the tissue, said incoherentlight having a first peak wavelength and a first radiant flux, whereinthe first peak wavelength and the first radiant flux are selected tostimulate at least one of (i) enzymatic generation of nitric oxide toincrease endogenous stores of nitric oxide or (ii) release of nitricoxide from endogenous stores of nitric oxide; wherein the device issubstantially devoid of any light emitting element configured to impingelight on the tissue, said light having a peak wavelength in a range offrom 600 nm to 900 nm.

In certain embodiments, the device is substantially devoid of any lightemitting element configured to impinge light having a peak wavelength ina range of from 441 nm to 490 nm on the tissue. In certain embodiments,the device is devoid of any wavelength conversion material configured tobe stimulated by the at least one first light emitting element. Incertain embodiments, the device further comprises a flexible substratesupporting the at least one first light emitting element. In certainembodiments, the device is configured to contact, be connected to, orconform to the tissue with a light-transmissive material. In certainembodiments, light impinged on the tissue is substantially devoid oflight emissions having a peak wavelength in a range of from 441 nm to490 nm. In certain embodiments, the device further comprises drivercircuitry configured to generate incoherent light emissions includingthe first peak wavelength, wherein the first peak wavelength is in arange of from 410 nm to 440 nm, and said incoherent light emissionscomprise a plurality of discrete pulses.

In certain embodiments, the device further comprises at least one secondlight emitting element configured to impinge incoherent light on thetissue, said incoherent light having a second peak wavelength and asecond radiant flux, wherein the second peak wavelength is in a range offrom 500 nm to 540 nm. In certain embodiments, the device is configuredto impinge incoherent light emissions including the first peakwavelength during a first time window, wherein the first peak wavelengthis in a range of from 410 nm to 440 nm, and being configured to impingeincoherent light emissions including the second peak wavelength in arange of from 500 nm to 540 nm during a second time window, wherein atleast a portion of the second time window is non-overlapping with thefirst time window. In certain embodiments, the device further comprisesa probe configured for insertion into a mammalian body cavity or openingdefined in a mammalian body, wherein the at least one first lightemitting element is supported by the probe.

In another aspects, devices and/or methods disclosed herein may be usedto modulate nitric oxide for managing or eliminating pathogens (such asbacteria, viruses, fungi, protists, or the like) in or on mammaliantissue. In additional aspects, devices and/or methods disclosed hereinmay be used to modulate nitric oxide for inhibiting 5 a-reductase inmammalian tissue. In additional aspects, devices and/or methodsdisclosed herein may be used to modulate nitric oxide to promotecollagen synthesis. In additional aspects, devices and/or methodsdisclosed herein may be used to increase NO to levels suitable to inducecell death. In further aspects, devices and/or methods disclosed hereinmay be used for generation of, or promoting reaction with, reactiveoxygen species and free radicals. In additional aspects, devices and/ormethods disclosed herein may be used to increase vasodilation anddecrease inflammation.

In another aspect, any of the foregoing aspects, and/or various separateaspects and features as described herein, may be combined for additionaladvantage. Any of the various features and elements as disclosed hereinmay be combined with one or more other disclosed features and elementsunless indicated to the contrary herein.

Other aspects, features and embodiments of the invention will be morefully apparent from the ensuing disclosure and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a reaction sequence showing photoactivated production ofnitric oxide (NO) catalyzed by iNOS, followed by binding of NO to CCO.

FIG. 2A is a reaction sequence showing photomodulated release of NO fromnitrosothiols (RSNO).

FIG. 2B is a reaction sequence showing photomodulated release of NO frommetal nitrosyls (M-NO).

FIG. 2C is a reaction sequence showing loading of cytochrome c oxidase(CCO) with NO (yielding CCO-NO and CCO-NO₂ ⁻) followed by photomodulatedrelease of nitric oxide from the CCO-NO and CCO-NO₂ ⁻.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of epidermis and dermis layers of humanskin with schematic illustration of overlapping zones in which NO isreleased from endogenous stores of NO by photomodulation.

FIG. 4A includes superimposed plots of absorbance versus wavelength forhemoglobin (Hb), nitric oxide-loaded hemoglobin (Hb-NO) prior toirradiation, and Hb-NO following absorption of 150 J of light emissionsof a green LED having a peak wavelength of 530 nm.

FIG. 4B includes superimposed plots of absorbance versus wavelength forHb, Hb-NO prior to irradiation, and Hb-NO following absorption of 150 Jof light emissions of an IR LED source having a peak wavelength of 850nm.

FIG. 5 is a plot of percentage change in peak absorbance for the 540 nmpeak of Hb-NO versus fluence (Joules per square centimeter) for ninedifferent wavelengths of light (from 410 nm to 850 nm).

FIG. 6 is a plot of percentage change in peak absorbance for Cytochromec-NO versus fluence (Joules per square centimeter) for nine differentwavelengths of light (from 410 nm to 850 nm).

FIG. 7 is a plot of released NO (ppb) per milliwatt per squarecentimeter versus time for the photomodulated release of NO from Hb-NOfor nine different wavelengths of light (from 410 nm to 850 nm).

FIG. 8A includes superimposed plots of released NO (ppb) per milliwattper square centimeter versus time for irradiation of Hb-NO with (i) a410 nm peak wavelength blue LED device, (ii) a 530 nm peak wavelengthgreen LED device, and (iii) the 410 nm peak wavelength blue LED devicein combination with the 530 nm peak wavelength green LED device.

FIG. 8B includes superimposed plots of released NO (ppb) per milliwattper square centimeter versus time for irradiation of Hb-NO with (i) a530 nm peak wavelength green LED device, (ii) a 660 nm peak wavelengthred LED device, and (iii) the 530 nm peak wavelength green LED device incombination with the 660 nm peak wavelength red LED device.

FIG. 8C includes superimposed plots of released NO (ppb) per milliwattper square centimeter versus time for irradiation of Hb-NO with (i) a530 nm peak wavelength green LED device (including one repeat run), (ii)a 850 nm peak wavelength infrared LED device (including one repeat run),and (iii) the 530 nm peak wavelength green LED device in combinationwith the 850 nm peak wavelength infrared LED device.

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of a devicefor delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, the deviceincluding multiple direct view light emitting sources supported by asubstrate and covered with an encapsulant material layer.

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, thedevice including multiple direct view light emitting sources supportedby a substrate and covered with an encapsulant material layer, whereinat least one functional material (e.g., wavelength conversion and/orscattering material) is disposed within the encapsulant material layer.

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, thedevice including multiple direct view light emitting sources supportedby a substrate and covered with two encapsulant material layers, with atleast one functional material (e.g., wavelength conversion and/orscattering material) layer disposed between the encapsulant materiallayers.

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, thedevice including multiple direct view light emitting sources supportedby a substrate and covered by an encapsulant layer, wherein theencapsulant layer is covered with a diffusion or scattering materiallayer.

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, thedevice including multiple direct view light emitting sources supportedby a substrate, multiple molded features overlying the light emittingsources, and an encapsulant or light coupling material arranged betweenthe light emitting sources and the molded features.

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, thedevice including a flexible substrate, one or more organic lightemitting diode layers arranged between an anode and cathode, and anencapsulant layer arranged over the cathode.

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, thedevice including a flexible substrate, multiple direct view lightemitting sources supported by the substrate, encapsulant material layersarranged above and below the substrate and over the light emittingsources, and holes or perforations defined through both the substrateand the encapsulant material layers.

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, whereinthe device includes multiple direct view light emitting sourcessupported by a substrate and covered by an encapsulant layer, and thedevice is arranged in a concave configuration.

FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, whereinthe device includes multiple direct view light emitting sourcessupported by a substrate and covered by an encapsulant layer, and thedevice is arranged in a convex configuration.

FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, whereinthe device is edge lit with one or more light emitting sources supportedby a flexible printed circuit board (PCB), other non-light-transmittingsurfaces of the device are bounded by a flexible reflective substrate,and the flexible PCB and light emitting source(s) are covered with anencapsulant material.

FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, whereinthe device is edge lit with one or more light emitting sources supportedby a flexible printed circuit board (PCB), anothernon-light-transmitting surface of the device is bounded by a flexiblereflective substrate, the flexible PCB and light emitting source(s) arecovered with an encapsulant material, and the device is tapered inthickness.

FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, whereinthe device is edge lit with one or more light emitting sources supportedby a flexible PCB having a reflective surface, non-light-transmittingsurfaces of the device are further bounded by the flexible PCB, and theflexible PCB and light emitting source(s) are covered with anencapsulant material.

FIG. 21 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, whereinthe device is edge lit with one or more light emitting sources supportedby a flexible PCB having a reflective surface, anothernon-light-transmitting surface of the device is further bounded by theflexible PCB, the flexible PCB and light emitting source(s) are coveredwith an encapsulant material, and the device is tapered in thickness.

FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, whereinthe device is edge lit with one or more light emitting sources supportedby a flexible PCB having a reflective surface, othernon-light-transmitting surfaces of the device are further bounded by theflexible PCB, the flexible PCB and light emitting source(s) are coveredwith an encapsulant material, and a light-transmitting face of thedevice includes a diffusing and/or scattering layer.

FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, whereinthe device is edge lit with one or more light emitting sources supportedby a flexible PCB having a reflective surface, anothernon-light-transmitting surface of the device is further bounded by theflexible PCB, the flexible PCB and light emitting source(s) are coveredwith an encapsulant material, a light transmitting face of the device istapered in thickness, and the light-transmitting face includes adiffusing and/or scattering layer.

FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, whereinthe device is edge lit with one or more light emitting sources supportedby a flexible PCB having a reflective surface, othernon-light-transmitting surfaces of the device are further bounded by theflexible PCB, the flexible PCB and light emitting source(s) are coveredwith an encapsulant material, and a light-transmitting face of thedevice includes a wavelength conversion material layer.

FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, whereinthe device is edge lit with one or more light emitting sources supportedby a flexible PCB having a reflective surface, anothernon-light-transmitting surface of the device is further bounded by theflexible PCB, the flexible PCB and light emitting source(s) are coveredwith an encapsulant material, a light transmitting face of the device istapered in thickness, and the light-transmitting face includes awavelength conversion material layer.

FIG. 26 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, whereinthe device is edge lit along multiple edges with multiple light emittingsources supported by a flexible PCB having a reflective surface, othernon-light-transmitting surfaces of the device are further bounded by theflexible PCB, the flexible PCB and light emitting sources are coveredwith an encapsulant material, and a wavelength conversion material isdistributed in the encapsulant material.

FIG. 27 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, whereinthe device is edge lit along multiple edges with multiple light emittingsources supported by a flexible PCB having a reflective surface, othernon-light-transmitting surfaces of the device are further bounded by theflexible PCB with raised light extraction features being supported bythe flexible PCB, and encapsulant material is provided over the flexiblePCB, the light emitting sources, and the light extraction features.

FIG. 28 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, whereinthe device is edge lit along multiple edges with multiple light emittingsources supported by a flexible PCB having a reflective surface, othernon-light-transmitting surfaces of the device are further bounded by theflexible PCB, an encapsulant material is arranged above and below thePCB and over the light emitting sources, and holes or perforations aredefined through both the substrate and the encapsulant material.

FIG. 29A is a cross-sectional view of a first exemplary hole definablethrough a device for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue,the hole having a diameter that is substantially constant with depth.

FIG. 29B is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary hole definablethrough a device for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue,the hole having a diameter that increases with increasing depth.

FIG. 29C is a cross-sectional view of a third exemplary hole definablethrough a device for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue,the hole having a diameter that decreases with increasing depth.

FIG. 30 is a top schematic view of at least a portion of a device fordelivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, wherein the deviceis edge lit along multiple edges with multiple light emitting sourcessupported by a flexible PCB, and multiple holes or perforations ofsubstantially uniform size and substantially uniform distribution aredefined through the flexible PCB.

FIG. 31 is a top schematic view of at least a portion of a device fordelivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, wherein the deviceis edge lit along multiple edges with multiple light emitting sourcessupported by a flexible PCB, and multiple holes or perforations ofdifferent sizes but with a substantially uniform distribution aredefined through the flexible PCB.

FIG. 32 is a top schematic view of at least a portion of a device fordelivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, wherein the deviceis edge lit along multiple edges with multiple light emitting sourcessupported by a flexible PCB, and multiple holes or perforations ofdifferent sizes are provided in clusters and defined through theflexible PCB proximate to selected light emitting sources.

FIG. 33 is a top schematic view of at least a portion of a device fordelivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, wherein the deviceis edge lit along multiple edges with multiple light emitting sourcessupported by a flexible PCB, and multiple holes or perforations ofdifferent sizes and with a non-uniform (e.g., random) distribution aredefined through the flexible PCB.

FIG. 34A is a top schematic view of at least a portion of a lightemitting device for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissueand at least a portion of a battery/control module, wherein an elongatedelectrical cord is associated with the battery/control module forconnecting the battery/control module to the light emitting device.

FIG. 34B is a top schematic view of at least a portion of a lightemitting device for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissueand at least a portion of a battery/control module, wherein an elongatedelectrical cord is associated with the light emitting device forconnecting the light emitting device to the battery/control module.

FIG. 35 is a top schematic view of at least a portion of a lightemitting device for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissueand being connected via an electrical cord to a battery/control module,wherein the light emitting device includes multiple light emitters,multiple holes or perforations, and multiple sensors.

FIG. 36A is a plot of intensity versus time (t) embodying a firstexemplary illumination cycle that may be used with at least one emitterof a light emitting device for delivering light energy to livingmammalian tissue as disclosed herein.

FIG. 36B is a plot of intensity versus time (t) embodying a secondexemplary illumination cycle that may be used with at least one emitterof a light emitting device for delivering light energy to livingmammalian tissue as disclosed herein.

FIG. 36C is a plot of intensity versus time (t) embodying a thirdexemplary illumination cycle that may be used with at least one emitterof a light emitting device for delivering light energy to livingmammalian tissue as disclosed herein.

FIG. 37 is an exploded view of a light emitting device embodied in awearable cap for delivering light energy to a scalp of a patient, thedevice including at least one light emitter supported by a flexible PCBarranged in a concave configuration, a concave support member shaped toreceive the flexible PCB and support a battery and control module, and afabric covering arranged to cover the support member and flexiblesubstrate.

FIG. 38 is a bottom plan view of the flexible PCB of FIG. 37 prior tobeing shaped into a concave configuration.

FIG. 39 is a front elevation view of the light emitting device of FIG.37 affixed to a modeled human head.

FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram showing interconnections betweencomponents of a light emitting device or delivering light energy totissue of a patient according to one embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a schematic diagram depicting an interface between hardwaredrivers, functional components, and a software application suitable foroperating a light emitting device according to FIG. 40 .

FIG. 42 is a schematic elevation view of at least a portion of a lightemitting device for delivering light energy to tissue in an internalcavity of a patient according to one embodiment.

FIG. 43A is a schematic elevation view of at least a portion of a lightemitting device including a concave light emitting surface fordelivering light energy to cervical tissue of a patient according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 43B illustrates the device of FIG. 43A inserted into a vaginalcavity to deliver light energy to cervical tissue of a patient.

FIG. 44A is a schematic elevation view of at least a portion of a lightemitting device including a probe-defining light emitting surface fordelivering light energy to cervical tissue of a patient according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 44B illustrates the device of FIG. 44A inserted into a vaginalcavity, with a probe portion of the light-emitting surface inserted intoa cervical opening, to deliver light energy to cervical tissue of apatient.

FIG. 45 is a bar chart identifying percentage of viable cells as afunction of time post 420 nm irradiation (from 0 to 24 hours) for fourdifferent fluence values ranging from 0 J/cm² to 50 J/cm² for NOgeneration in keratinocytes resulting from photobiomodulation.

FIG. 46 is a bar chart identifying percentage of cells expressing iNOSas a function of time post 420 nm irradiation (from 0 to 8 hours) forfour different fluence values ranging from 0 J/cm² to 50 J/cm² for NOgeneration in keratinocytes resulting from photobiomodulation.

FIG. 47 is a bar chart identifying percentage of cells expressing nNOSas a function of time post 420 nm irradiation (from 0 to 8 hours) forfour different fluence values ranging from 0 J/cm² to 50 J/cm² for NOgeneration in keratinocytes resulting from photobiomodulation.

FIG. 48 is a bar chart identifying percentage of cells withintracellular NO as a function of time post 420 nm irradiation (from 0to 8 hours) for four different fluence values ranging from 0 J/cm² to 50J/cm² for NO generation in keratinocytes resulting fromphotobiomodulation.

FIG. 49 is a bar chart identifying percentage of viable cells as afunction of time post 420 nm irradiation (from 0 to 24 hours) for fourdifferent fluence values ranging from 0 J/cm² to 50 J/cm² for NOgeneration in fibroblasts resulting from photobiomodulation.

FIG. 50 is a bar chart identifying percentage of cells expressing iNOSas a function of time post 420 nm irradiation (from 0 to 6 hours) forfour different fluence values ranging from 0 J/cm² to 50 J/cm² for NOgeneration in fibroblasts resulting from photobiomodulation.

FIG. 51 is a bar chart identifying percentage of cells expressing eNOSas a function of time post 420 nm irradiation (from 0 to 6 hours) forfour different fluence values ranging from 0 J/cm² to 50 J/cm² for NOgeneration in fibroblasts resulting from photobiomodulation.

FIG. 52 is a bar chart identifying percentage of cells withintracellular NO as a function of time post 420 nm irradiation (from 0to 6 hours) for four different fluence values ranging from 0 J/cm² to 50J/cm² for NO generation in fibroblasts resulting fromphotobiomodulation.

FIG. 53 is a plot of NO release rate (PPB/s) versus irradiance (J/cm²)from hemoglobin-NO for nine (9) different wavelengths of incoherentlight ranging from 410 nm to 850 nm.

FIG. 54 is a plot of total NO release (PPB) versus irradiance (J/cm²)from hemoglobin-NO for nine (9) different wavelengths of incoherentlight ranging from 410 nm to 850 nm.

FIG. 55 is a plot of NO release rate (PPB/s) versus irradiance (J/cm²)from S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) for ten (10) different wavelengths ofincoherent light ranging from 410 nm to 850 nm.

FIG. 56 is a plot of total NO release (PPB) versus irradiance (J/cm²)from S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) for ten (10) different wavelengths ofincoherent light ranging from 410 nm to 850 nm.

FIG. 57 is a plot of NO release rate (PPB/s) versus irradiance (J/cm²)from albumin-NO for nine (9) different wavelengths of incoherent lightranging from 420 nm to 850 nm.

FIG. 58 is a plot of total NO release (PPB) versus irradiance (J/cm²)from albumin-NO for nine (9) different wavelengths of incoherent lightranging from 420 nm to 850 nm.

FIG. 59 is a plot of NO release rate (PPB/s) versus irradiance (J/cm²)from cytochrome c-NO for ten (10) different wavelengths of incoherentlight ranging from 410 nm to 850 nm.

FIG. 60 is a plot of total NO release (PPB) versus irradiance (J/cm²)from cytochrome c-NO for ten (10) different wavelengths of incoherentlight ranging from 410 nm to 850 nm.

FIG. 61 is a plot of NO release rate (PPB/s) versus irradiance (J/cm²)from cytochrome c-oxidase-NO for ten (10) different wavelengths ofincoherent light ranging from 410 nm to 850 nm.

FIG. 62 is a plot of total NO release (PPB) versus irradiance (J/cm²)from cytochrome c-oxidase-NO for ten (10) different wavelengths ofincoherent light ranging from 410 nm to 850 nm.

FIG. 63 is a plot of NO release rate (PPB/s) versus irradiance (J/cm²)from mitochondria-NO for ten (10) different wavelengths of incoherentlight ranging from 410 nm to 850 nm.

FIG. 64 is a plot of total NO release (PPB) versus irradiance (J/cm²)from mitochondria-NO for ten (10) different wavelengths of incoherentlight ranging from 410 nm to 850 nm.

FIG. 65 is a related art perspective view illustration of across-section of dermis and epidermis layers of human skin showingvarious types of cells containing nitric oxide compounds.

FIG. 66 is a related art cross-sectional illustration of human skin witha superimposed representation of depth penetration of coherent light ofeight different wavelengths ranging from 420 nm to 755 nm.

FIG. 67A is an upper perspective view photograph comparing thetransmittance of red (660 nm peak wavelength) incoherent (LED) light anda red (660 nm) coherent (laser) light through a human skin sample.

FIG. 67B is a plot of light transmittance percentage as a function ofskin thickness (mm) for transmittance of red (660 nm peak wavelength)incoherent (LED) light and a red (660 nm) coherent (laser) light throughhuman skin samples of two different thicknesses at equivalentirradiance.

FIG. 68A is an upper perspective view photograph comparing thetransmittance of a green (530 nm peak wavelength) incoherent (LED) lightand a green (530 nm) coherent (laser) light through a human skin sample.

FIG. 68B is a plot of light transmittance percentage as a function ofskin thickness (mm) for transmittance of green (530 nm peak wavelength)incoherent (LED) light and a green (530 nm) coherent (laser) lightthrough human skin samples of two different thicknesses at equivalentirradiance.

FIG. 69A is an upper perspective view photograph comparing thetransmittance of a blue (420 nm peak wavelength) incoherent (LED) lightand a blue (420 nm) coherent (laser) light through a human skin sample.

FIG. 69B is a plot of light transmittance percentage as a function ofskin thickness (mm) for transmittance of blue (420 nm peak wavelength)incoherent (LED) light and a blue (420 nm) coherent (laser) lightthrough human skin samples of two different thicknesses at equivalentirradiance.

FIG. 70 is a plot of light transmittance percentage as a function ofskin thickness (mm) for transmittance of red (660 nm peak wavelength)incoherent (LED) light and red (660 nm) coherent (laser) light throughhuman skin samples of two different pigmentations and three differentthicknesses.

FIG. 71 is a plot of light transmittance percentage as a function ofskin thickness (mm) for transmittance of green (530 nm peak wavelength)incoherent (LED) light and green (530 nm) coherent (laser) light throughhuman skin samples of two different pigmentations and three differentthicknesses.

FIG. 72 is a plot of light transmittance percentage as a function ofskin thickness (mm) for transmittance of blue (420 nm peak wavelength)incoherent (LED) light and blue (420 nm) coherent (laser) light throughhuman skin samples of two different pigmentations and three differentthicknesses.

FIG. 73 is a plot of percentage of DHT remaining as a function ofNO-donor concentration (mM) for six values ranging from 0 to 50 mM,showing that lower percentages of DHT remaining are correlated withincreased NO-donor concentrations.

FIG. 74 is a plot of percentage of DHT remaining as a function ofNO-donor concentration (mM) for dark conditions and 420 nm lightexposure conditions for NO-donor concentrations of 0 and 1 mM.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary information toenable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments andillustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading thefollowing description in light of the accompanying drawing figures,those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosureand will recognize applications of these concepts not particularlyaddressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts andapplications fall within the scope of the disclosure and theaccompanying claims.

It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement from another. For example, a first element could be termed asecond element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a firstelement, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Asused herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of oneor more of the associated listed items.

It should also be understood that when an element is referred to asbeing “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directlyconnected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyconnected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are nointervening elements present.

It should be understood that, although the terms “upper,” “lower,”“bottom,” “intermediate,” “middle,” “top,” and the like may be usedherein to describe various elements, these elements should not belimited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement from another. For example, a first element could be termed an“upper” element and, similarly, a second element could be termed an“upper” element depending on the relative orientations of theseelements, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,”“comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including” when used herein specifythe presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It willbe further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted ashaving meanings that are consistent with their meanings in the contextof this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpretedin an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so definedherein.

Certain aspects of the disclosure relate to phototherapeutic modulationof nitric oxide in living mammalian tissue, including use of lighthaving a first peak wavelength and a first radiant flux to releasenitric oxide from endogenous stores of nitric oxide, and use of lighthaving a second peak wavelength and a second radiant flux to increaseendogenous stores of nitric oxide (e.g., to increase expression ofnitric oxide synthase enzymes), wherein the second peak wavelengthdiffers from the first peak wavelength. The photoinitiated release ofendogenous stores of nitric oxide effectively regenerates “gaseous” (orunbound) nitric oxide that was autooxidized into nitrosativeintermediates and bound covalently in the body in a “bound” state. Bystimulating release of nitric oxide from endogenous stores, nitric oxidemay be maintained in a gaseous state for an extended duration and/or aspatial zone of nitric oxide release may be expanded.

Certain aspects of the disclosure relate to phototherapeutic modulationof nitric oxide in living mammalian tissue, including use of lighthaving a first peak wavelength and a first radiant flux to stimulateenzymatic generation of nitric oxide to increase endogenous stores ofnitric oxide (e.g., to increase expression of nitric oxide synthaseenzymes), and release nitric oxide from the endogenous stores. Thephotoinitiated release of endogenous stores of nitric oxide effectivelyregenerates “gaseous” (or unbound) nitric oxide that was autooxidizedinto nitrosative intermediates and bound covalently in the body in a“bound” state. By stimulating release of nitric oxide from endogenousstores, nitric oxide may be maintained in a gaseous state for anextended duration and/or a spatial zone of nitric oxide release may beexpanded.

As noted previously, nitric oxide is endogenously stored on a variety ofnitrosated biochemical structures. Upon receiving the requiredexcitation energy, both nitroso and nitrosyl compounds undergo hemolyticcleavage of S—N, N—N, or M-N bonds to yield free radical nitric oxide.Nitrosothiols and nitrosamines are photoactive and can be phototriggeredto release nitric oxide by wavelength specific excitation. FIG. 2A is areaction sequence showing photomodulated release of NO fromnitrosothiols (RSNO). Similar results may be obtained with metalnitrosyls and NO-loaded chromophores (such as, but not limited to,CCO-NO). FIG. 2B is a reaction sequence showing photomodulated releaseof NO from metal nitrosyls (M-NO). FIG. 2C is a reaction sequenceshowing loading of cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) with NO (yielding CCO-NOand CCO-NO₂ ⁻), followed by photomodulated release of nitric oxide fromthe CCO-NO and CCO-NO₂ ⁻. In each case, providing light energy of aspecified peak wavelength and radiant flux to tissue may stimulaterelease of endogenous stores of NO to permit NO to be maintained in agaseous state in living tissue for a longer duration than would beencountered in the absence of the provision of such light energy.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of epidermis and dermis layers of humanskin with schematic illustration of overlapping zones 1-3 in whichendogenous stores of NO are generated and/or NO is released fromendogenous stores by photomodulation. (The zones 1-3 are not necessarilyillustrated to scale.) It has been reported that NO may diffuse inmammalian tissue by a distance of up to about 500 microns. In certainembodiments, photons of a first energy hui may be supplied to the tissueto stimulate enzymatic generation of NO to increase endogenous stores ofNO in a first diffusion zone 1. Photons of a second energy hue may besupplied to the tissue in a region within or overlapping the firstdiffusion zone 1 to trigger release of NO from endogenous stores,thereby creating a second diffusion zone 2. Alternatively, oradditionally, photons of a second energy hue may be supplied tostimulate enzymatic generation of NO to increase endogenous stores of NOin the second diffusion zone 2. Photons of a third energy hui may besupplied to the tissue in a region within or overlapping the seconddiffusion zone 2 to trigger release of endogenous stores, therebycreating a third diffusion zone 3. Alternatively, or additionally,photons of a third energy hui may be supplied to stimulate enzymaticgeneration of NO to increase endogenous stores of NO in the thirddiffusion zone 3. In certain embodiments, the first, second, and thirddiffusion zones 1-3 may have different average depths relative to anouter epidermal surface. In certain embodiments, the first photon energyhui, the second photon energy hue, and the third photon energy hui maybe supplied at different peak wavelengths, wherein different peakwavelengths may penetrate mammalian tissue to different depths—sincelonger wavelengths typically provide greater penetration depth. Incertain embodiments, sequential or simultaneous impingement ofincreasing wavelengths of light may serve to “push” a nitric oxidediffusion zone deeper within mammalian tissue than might otherwise beobtained by using a single (e.g., long) wavelength of light.

Light having a first peak wavelength and a first radiant flux to releasenitric oxide from endogenous stores of nitric oxide may be referred toherein as “endogenous store releasing light” or “ES releasing light;”and light having a second peak wavelength and a second radiant flux tostimulate enzymatic generation of nitric oxide to increase endogenousstores of nitric oxide may be referred to herein as “endogenous storeincreasing light” or “ES increasing light.”

In certain embodiments, the second peak wavelength (of the ES increasinglight) is greater than the first peak wavelength (of the ES releasinglight) by at least 25 nm, at least 40 nm, at least 50 nm, at least 60nm, at least 75 nm, at least 85 nm, at least 100 nm, or anotherthreshold specified herein.

In certain embodiments, each of the ES increasing light and the ESreleasing light has a radiant flux in a range of at least 5 mW/cm², orat least 10 mW/cm², or at least 15 mW/cm², or at least 20 mW/cm², or atleast 30 mW/cm², or at least 40 mW/cm², or at least 50 mW/cm², or in arange of from 5 mW/cm² to 60 mW/cm², or in a range of from 5 mW/cm² to30 mW/cm², or in a range of from 5 mW/cm² to 20 mW/cm², or in a range offrom 5 mW/cm² to 10 mW/cm², or in a range of from 10 mW/cm² to 60mW/cm², or in a range of from 20 mW/cm² to 60 mW/cm², or in a range offrom 30 mW/cm² to 60 mW/cm², or in a range of from 40 mW/cm² to 60mW/cm², or in another range specified herein.

In certain embodiments, the ES increasing light has a greater radiantflux than the ES releasing light. In certain embodiments, the ESreleasing light has a greater radiant flux than the ES increasing light.

In certain embodiments, one or both of the ES increasing light and theES releasing light has a radiant flux profile that is substantiallyconstant during a treatment window. In certain embodiments, at least oneof the ES increasing light and the ES releasing light has a radiant fluxprofile that increases with time during a treatment window. In certainembodiments, at least one of the ES increasing light and the ESreleasing light has a radiant flux profile that decreases with timeduring a treatment window. In certain embodiments, one of the ESincreasing light or the ES releasing light has a radiant flux profilethat decreases with time during a treatment window, while the other ofthe ES increasing light or the ES releasing light has a radiant fluxprofile that increases with time during a treatment window.

In certain embodiments, ES releasing light is applied to tissue during afirst time window, ES increasing light is applied to the tissue during asecond time window, and the second time window overlaps with the firsttime window. In other embodiments, ES releasing light is applied totissue during a first time window, ES increasing light is applied to thetissue during a second time window, and the second time isnon-overlapping or is only partially overlapping with the first timewindow. In certain embodiments, the second time window is initiated morethan one minute, more than 5 minutes, more than 10 minutes, more than 30minutes, or more than one hour after conclusion of the first timewindow. In certain embodiments, ES releasing light is applied to tissueduring a first time window, ES increasing light is applied to the tissueduring a second time window, and the first time window and the secondtime window are substantially the same. In other embodiments, the secondtime window is longer than the first time window.

In certain embodiments, one or both of ES increasing light and ESreleasing light may be provided by a steady state source providing aradiant flux that is substantially constant over a prolonged periodwithout being pulsed.

In certain embodiments, one or both of ES increasing light and ESreleasing light may include more than one discrete pulse (e.g., aplurality of pulses) of light. In certain embodiments, more than onediscrete pulse of ES releasing light is impinged on tissue during afirst time window, and/or more than one discrete pulse of ES increasinglight is impinged on tissue during a second time window. In certainembodiments, the first time window and the second time window may becoextensive, may be overlapping but not coextensive, or may benon-overlapping.

In certain embodiments, at least one of radiant flux and pulse durationof ES releasing light may be reduced from a maximum value to a non-zeroreduced value during a portion of a first time window. In certainembodiments, at least one of radiant flux and pulse duration of ESreleasing light may be increased from a non-zero value to a higher valueduring a portion of a first time window. In certain embodiments, atleast one of radiant flux and pulse duration of ES increasing light maybe reduced from a maximum value to a non-zero reduced value during aportion of a second time window. In certain embodiments, at least one ofradiant flux and pulse duration of ES increasing light may be increasedfrom a non-zero value to a higher value during a portion of a secondtime window.

In certain embodiments, each of ES increasing light and ES releasinglight consists of non-coherent light. In certain embodiments, each of ESincreasing light and ES releasing light consists of coherent light. Incertain embodiments, one of the ES increasing light or the ES releasinglight consists of non-coherent light, and the other of the ES increasinglight or the ES releasing light consists of coherent light.

In certain embodiments, the ES releasing light is provided by at leastone first light emitting device and the ES increasing light is providedby at least one second light emitting device. In certain embodiments,the ES releasing light is provided by a first array of light emittingdevices and the ES increasing light is provided by a second array oflight emitting devices.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the ES increasing light or theES releasing light is provided by at least one solid state lightemitting device. Examples of solid state light emitting devices include(but are not limited to) light emitting diodes, lasers, thin filmelectroluminescent devices, powdered electroluminescent devices, fieldinduced polymer electroluminescent devices, and polymer light-emittingelectrochemical cells. In certain embodiments, the ES releasing light isprovided by at least one first solid state light emitting device and theES increasing light is provided by at least one second solid state lightemitting device. In certain embodiments, ES increasing light and ESreleasing light may be generated by different emitters contained in asingle solid state emitter package, wherein close spacing betweenadjacent emitters may provide integral color mixing. In certainembodiments, the ES releasing light may be provided by a first array ofsolid state light emitting devices and the ES increasing light may beprovided by a second array of solid state light emitting devices. Incertain embodiments, an array of solid state emitter packages eachincluding at least one first emitter and at least one second emitter maybe provided, wherein the array of solid state emitter packages embodiesa first array of solid state emitters arranged to generate ES releasinglight and embodies a second array of solid state emitters arranged togenerate ES increasing light. In certain embodiments, an array of solidstate emitter packages may embody packages further including third,fourth, and/or fifth solid state emitters, such that a single array ofsolid state emitter packages may embody three, four, or five arrays ofsolid state emitters, wherein each array is arranged to generateemissions with a different peak wavelength.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the ES increasing light or theES releasing light is provided by at least one light emitting devicedevoid of a wavelength conversion material. In other embodiments, atleast one of the ES increasing light or the ES releasing light isprovided by at least one light emitting device arranged to stimulate awavelength conversion material, such as a phosphor material, afluorescent dye material, a quantum dot material, and a fluorophorematerial.

In certain embodiments, the ES increasing light and the ES releasinglight consist of substantially monochromatic light. In certainembodiments, the ES releasing light includes a first spectral outputhaving a first full width at half maximum value of less than 25 nm (orless than 20 nm, or less than 15 nm, or in a range of from 5 nm to 25nm, or in a range of from 10 nm to 25 nm, or in a range of from 15 nm to25 nm), and/or the ES increasing light includes a second spectral outputhaving a second full width at half maximum value of less than 25 nm (orless than 20 nm, or less than 15 nm, or in a range of from 5 nm to 25nm, or in a range of from 10 nm to 25 nm, or in a range of from 15 nm to25 nm). In certain embodiments, less than 5% of the first spectraloutput is in a wavelength range of less than 400 nm, and less than 1% ofthe second spectral output is in a wavelength range of less than 400 nm.

In certain embodiments, the ES releasing light is produced by one ormore first light emitters having a single first peak wavelength, and theES increasing light is produced by one or more second light emittershaving a single second peak wavelength. In other embodiments, the ESincreasing light may be produced by at least two light emitters havingdifferent peak wavelengths (e.g., differing by at least 5 nm, at least10 nm, at least 15 nm, at least 20 nm, or at least 25 nm), and/or the ESreleasing light may be produced by at least two light emitters havingdifferent peak wavelengths (e.g., differing by at least 5 nm, at least10 nm, at least 15 nm, at least 20 nm, or at least 25 nm).

Ultraviolet light (e.g., UV-A light having a peak wavelength in a rangeof from 350 nm to 395 nm, and UV-B light having a peak wavelength in arange of from 320 nm to 350 nm) may be effective as ES increasing or ESreleasing light; however, overexposure to ultraviolet light may lead todetrimental health effects including premature skin aging andpotentially elevated risk for certain types of cancer. In certainembodiments, UV light (e.g., having peak wavelengths in a range of from320 nm to 399 nm) may be used as ES increasing or ES releasing light;however, in other embodiments, UV light may be avoided.

In certain embodiments, ES increasing light and ES releasing light aresubstantially free of UV light. In certain embodiments, less than 5% ofthe ES increasing light is in a wavelength range of less than 400 nm,and less than 1% of the ES releasing light output is in a wavelengthrange of less than 400 nm. In certain embodiments, ES increasing lightincludes a peak wavelength in a range of from 400 nm to 490 nm, or from400 nm to 450 nm, or from 400 nm to 435 nm, or from 400 nm to 420 nm, orfrom 410 nm to 440 nm, or from 420 nm to 440 nm.

In certain embodiments, ES increasing light may include a wavelengthrange and flux that may alter the presence, concentration, or growth ofpathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists, and/or othermicrobes) in or on living mammalian tissue receiving the light. UV lightand near-UV light (e.g., having peak wavelengths from 400 nm to 435 nm,or more preferably from 400 nm to 420 nm) in particular may affectmicrobial growth. Effects on microbial growth may depend on thewavelength range and dose. In certain embodiments, ES increasing or ESreleasing light may include near-UV light having a peak wavelength in arange of from 400 nm to 420 nm to provide a bacteriostatic effect (e.g.,with pulsed light having a radiant flux of <9 mW/cm²), provide abactericidal effect (e.g., with substantially steady state light havinga radiant flux in a range of from 9 mW/cm² to 17 mW/cm²), or provide anantimicrobial effect (e.g., with substantially steady state light havinga radiant flux in a range of greater than 17 mW/cm², such as in a rangeof from 18 mW/cm² to 60 mW/cm²). In certain embodiments, ES increasingor ES releasing light in a near-UV range (e.g., from 400 nm to 420 nm)may also affect microbial growth (whether in a bacteriostatic range,bactericidal range, or an antimicrobial range) for uses such as woundhealing, reduction of acne blemishes, or treatment of atopic dermatitis.Such function(s) may be in addition to the function of the ES increasinglight to increase endogenous stores of nitric oxide in living tissue.

In certain embodiments, ES increasing light may include a peakwavelength in a range of from 500 nm to 900 nm, or in a range of from490 nm to 570 nm, or in a range of from 510 nm to 550 nm, or in a rangeof from 520 nm to 540 nm, or in a range of from 525 nm to 535 nm, or ina range of from 528 nm to 532 nm, or in a range of about 530 nm.

Applicant has found that the ability to generate and release nitricoxide is dependent on the wavelength and fluence of light used. Toinvestigate whether certain wavelengths of light may be more effectivethan others at releasing endogenous stores of NO (i.e., to serve as ESreleasing light), Applicant performed various experiments. One series ofexperiments included generating nitric oxide-loaded hemoglobin (Hb-NO),irradiating the Hb-NO with different wavelengths of light produced bysubstantially monochromatic LEDs, and comparing absorbance spectra forHb, for the Hb-NO prior to the LED irradiation, and for the Hb-NO afterthe LED irradiation. The Hb-NO was generated by mixing 10 μM Hb with 1μM Prolino (a NO source). The mixture was then stirred and incubated onehour, and then was allowed to rest for 5 minutes. Irradiation with LEDlight was performed under vacuum to facilitate removal of NO liberatedfrom the Hb-NO.

FIG. 4A includes superimposed plots of absorbance versus wavelength forhemoglobin (Hb) (line “A1”), for nitric oxide-loaded hemoglobin (Hb-NO)prior to irradiation (line “B1”), and for Hb-NO following absorption of150 J of light emissions of a green LED having a peak wavelength of 530nm (line “C1”). A comparison of line A1 and line B1 shows the presenceof two peaks at about 540 nm and about 577 nm, representing the presenceof NO in the Hb-NO. A comparison of line C1 and line B1 shows that thetwo peaks at about 540 nm and about 577 nm present in the Hb-NO wereeliminated, thereby evidencing release of NO from the Hb-NO attributableto irradiation of Hb-NO with 530 nm peak wavelength green light.

FIG. 4B includes superimposed plots of absorbance versus wavelength forHb (line “A2”), for Hb-NO prior to irradiation (line “B2”), and forHb-NO following absorption of 150 J of light emissions of an IR LEDsource having a peak wavelength of 850 nm (line “C2”). A comparison ofline A2 and line B2 shows the presence of two peaks at about 540 nm andabout 577 nm, representing the presence of NO in the Hb-NO. A comparisonof lines C1 and B1, however, reveals that such lines substantiallycoincide with one another. This evidences that impingement of 850 nmpeak wavelength light on Hb-NO was ineffective in releasing NO.

Nine LED light sources providing nine different peak wavelengths (i.e.,410 nm, 447 nm, 470 nm, 505 nm, 530 nm, 597 nm, 630 nm, 660 nm, and 850nm) were tested to determine their relative effectiveness in releasingNO from Hb-NO. FIG. 5 is a plot of percentage change in peak absorbancefor the 540 nm peak of Hb-NO versus fluence (Joules per squarecentimeter) for the nine different wavelengths of light from 410 nm to850 nm. As shown in FIG. 5 , the wavelengths identified to be mosteffective in releasing NO from Hb-NO were determined to be thefollowing, from best to worst: 530 nm, 505 nm, 597 nm, 447 nm, 660 nm,470 nm, 410 nm, 630 nm, and 850 nm.

Another series of experiments included generating nitric oxide-loadedcytochrome c (Cytochrome c-NO), irradiating the Cytochrome c-NO withdifferent wavelengths of light produced by substantially monochromaticLEDs, and comparing absorbance spectra for Cytochrome c, for theCytochrome c-NO prior to the LED irradiation, and for the Cytochromec-NO after the LED irradiation. 60 μM Cytochrome c was used according toa procedure otherwise similar to that described above in connection withHb. FIG. 6 is a plot of percentage change in peak absorbance forCytochrome c-NO versus fluence (Joules per square centimeter) for ninedifferent wavelengths of light (from 410 nm to 850 nm). As shown in FIG.6 , the wavelengths identified to be most effective in releasing NO fromCytochrome c-NO were determined to be the following, from best to worst:530 nm, 597 nm, 505 nm, 660 nm, 470 nm, 630 nm, 410 nm, 447 nm, and 850nm. Notably, 530 nm was determined to be the most effective peakwavelength of light for releasing NO from both Hb-NO and Cytochromec-NO.

The results shown in FIG. 5 for Hb-NO were not normalized to radiantflux, and it is recognized that different LEDs have differentefficiencies. To address this issue, the results for Hb-NO werenormalized to a 300 mA value. FIG. 7 is a plot of released NO permilliwatt per square centimeter versus time for the photomodulatedrelease of NO from Hb-NO for nine different wavelengths of light (from410 nm to 850 nm). As shown in FIG. 7 , 530 nm was determined to be thesingle most efficient single peak wavelength (per milliwatt of power)for releasing NO from Hb-NO.

To determine whether various combinations of two peak wavelengths mightbe more or less effective than single peak wavelengths in releasing NOfrom Hb-NO, additional experiments were performed using Hb-NO. Hb-NO wasgenerated by mixing 10 μM Hb with 1 μM Prolino (a NO source), then themixture was stirred and incubated one hour, and the mixture was allowedto rest for 5 minutes. Irradiation with two peak wavelengths of LEDlight was performed under vacuum to facilitate removal of NO liberatedfrom the Hb-NO. Results for three different combinations of two peakwavelengths are shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, together with results obtainedfor individual constituents of the combinations.

FIG. 8A includes superimposed plots of released NO per milliwatt persquare centimeter versus time for irradiation of Hb-NO with (i) a 410 nmpeak wavelength blue LED device, (ii) a 530 nm peak wavelength green LEDdevice, and (iii) the 410 nm peak wavelength blue LED device incombination with the 530 nm peak wavelength green LED device. Asexpected from the prior experiments, the 410 nm light was significantlyless effective than the 530 nm light at releasing NO from Hb-NO.Surprisingly, however, the combination of equal parts of 410 nm lightand 530 nm light appeared to be equally as effective as 530 nm lightalone. Such a combination may be beneficial since a 410 nm blue LED issignificantly more efficient than a 530 nm green LED, such that acombination of equal parts of 410 nm LED emissions and 530 nm LEDemissions may use 26% less electric power than emissions of a 530 nm LEDalone, when operated to provide the same radiant flux.

FIG. 8B includes superimposed plots of released NO per milliwatt persquare centimeter versus time for irradiation of Hb-NO with (i) a 530 nmpeak wavelength green LED device, (ii) a 660 nm peak wavelength red LEDdevice, and (iii) the 530 nm peak wavelength green LED device incombination with the 660 nm peak wavelength red LED device. As expectedfrom the prior experiments, the 660 nm red light was significantly lesseffective than the 530 nm green light at releasing NO from Hb-NO. Thecombination of equal parts of 530 nm green light and 660 nm red lightwas only slightly better than 660 nm red light alone at releasing NOfrom Hb-NO.

Notably, as shown in FIG. 8B, the release of NO from Hb-NO appears to bethe same for 530 nm green light, 660 nm red light, and a combination of530 nm green and 660 nm light for the time window of from 0 seconds toabout 2000 seconds, but the effectiveness of the different sourcesdiverges thereafter. Without intending to be bound by any particulartheory or explanation of this phenomenon, it is suggested that NO bindsto Hb-NO at multiple sites, and that removal of a second or subsequentNO molecule from Hb-NO may require more energy than removal of a firstNO molecule, perhaps due to a change in shape of the Hb-NO after removalof a first NO molecule.

FIG. 8C includes superimposed plots of released NO per milliwatt persquare centimeter versus time for irradiation of Hb-NO with (i) a 530 nmpeak wavelength green LED device (including one repeat run), (ii) a 850nm peak wavelength infrared LED device (including one repeat run), and(iii) the 530 nm peak wavelength green LED device in combination withthe 850 nm peak wavelength infrared LED device. As expected from theprior experiments, the 850 nm infrared light was ineffective atreleasing NO from Hb-NO. The combination of equal parts of 530 nm greenlight and 850 nm infrared light was also ineffective at releasing NOfrom Hb-NO. This shows that the addition of 530 nm green light wasunable to enhance the effectiveness of 850 nm infrared light inreleasing NO from Hb-NO.

In certain embodiments, ES releasing light that includes light having afirst peak wavelength is impinged on living tissue, ES increasing lightthat includes light having a second peak wavelength is impinged on theliving tissue, and furthermore a light having a third peak wavelengthmay be impinged on the living tissue. In certain embodiments, the lighthaving a third peak wavelength may be provided at substantially the sametime as (or during a time window overlapping at least one time windowof) one or both of the ES increasing light and the ES releasing light.In certain embodiments, the light having a third peak wavelength differsfrom each of the first peak wavelength and the second peak wavelength byat least 10 nm. In certain embodiments, the light having a third peakwavelength exceeds the second peak wavelength by at least 20 nm. Incertain embodiments, the light having a third peak wavelength isprovided with a radiant flux in a range of from 5 mW/cm² to 60 mW/cm².In certain embodiments, the third peak wavelength is in a range of from600 nm to 900 nm, or in a range of from 600 nm to 700 nm. In certainembodiments, the third peak wavelength is in a range of from 320 nm to399 nm.

In certain embodiments, light having a third peak wavelength in a rangeof from 620 nm to 670 nm (e.g., including specific wavelengths of about630 nm and about 660 nm) may be useful to provide anti-inflammatoryeffects and/or to promote vasodilation. Anti-inflammatory effects may beuseful to promote wound healing, to reduce acne blemishes, to promotefacial aesthetics, and/or to treat atopic dermatitis and other topicaldermatological disorders. Vasodilation may also be beneficial to treatandrogenic alopecia or other topical dermatological disorders.

In certain embodiments, light having a third peak wavelength may beuseful to promote thermal and/or infrared heating of living mammaliantissue, such as may be useful in certain contexts including woundhealing.

In certain embodiments utilizing modulated light therapy to control NOgeneration and release, human immune response may be altered and/orcontrolled. Such responses may include, but are not limited to: ATPproduction; DNA and RNA synthesis; gene transcription; extracellularmatrix (e.g., collagen and elastin) secretion; protein expression(including but not limited to NOS enzymes); cell signaling pathways(including cytokine expression (e.g., interleukins), growth factors(e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin growth factor,insulin-like growth factors, fibroblast growth factors, and tumornecrosis factors); Wnt signaling pathways; and NF-kB pathways); cellularviability; cellular apoptosis; cellular proliferation and migration;reactive oxygen species generation; cellular response to reactive oxygenspecies (e.g., expression of superoxide dismutase); and inhibition ofthe enzyme 5α-reductase (to decrease DHT production and thereby reduceor reverse hair loss).

Methods and devices disclosed herein for photomodulation of nitric oxidein living mammalian tissue are contemplated for use with a wide varietyof tissues. In certain embodiments, the tissue comprises epithelialtissue. In certain embodiments, the tissue comprises mucosal tissue. Incertain embodiments, the tissue is within a body cavity of a patient. Incertain embodiments, the tissue comprises cervical tissue.

In certain embodiments, the impinging of light having a first peakwavelength and the impinging of light having a second peak wavelength isperformed with a single therapeutic device.

In certain embodiments, a device for photomodulation of nitric oxide inliving mammalian tissue as disclosed herein may include a flexiblesubstrate supporting one or more light emitting elements and arranged toconform to at least a portion of a human body. In certain embodiments, aflexible substrate may include a flexible printed circuit board (PCB),such as may include at least one polyimide-containing layer and at leastone layer of copper or another electrically conductive material. Inother embodiments, a device for photomodulation of nitric oxide asdisclosed herein may include a rigid substrate supporting one or morelight emitting elements. In certain embodiments, one or more surfaces ofa device for photomodulation of nitric oxide may include alight-transmissive encapsulant material arranged to cover any lightemitter(s) and at least a portion of an associated substrate (e.g.,flexible PCB). A preferred encapsulant material is silicone, which maybe applied by any suitable means such as molding, dipping, spraying,dispensing, or the like. In certain embodiments, one or more functionalmaterials may be added to or coated on an encapsulant material. Incertain embodiments, at least one surface, or substantially all surfaces(e.g., front and back surfaces) of a flexible PCB may be covered withencapsulant material.

In certain embodiments, a substrate as described herein may be arrangedto support one or more light emitting elements. In certain embodiments,one or more light emitting elements may include multi-emitting lightemitting devices such as multi-LED packages. In certain embodiments, oneor more light emitting elements may be arranged for direct illumination,wherein at least a portion of emissions generated by the one or morelight emitting elements is arranged to be transmitted directly through alight-transmissive external surface of a device without need for anintervening waveguide or reflector. In certain embodiments, one or morelight emitting elements may be arranged for indirect illumination (e.g.,side illumination), wherein emissions generated by the one or more lightemitting elements are arranged to be transmitted to a light-transmissiveexternal surface via a waveguide and/or a reflector, without a lightemitting element being in direct line-of-sight arrangement relative to alight-transmissive external surface. In certain embodiments, a hybridconfiguration may be employed, including one or more light emittingelements arranged for direct illumination, and further including one ormore light emitting elements arranged for indirect illumination. Incertain embodiments, one or more reflective materials (e.g., reflectiveflexible PCB or other reflective films) may be provided along selectedsurfaces of a device to reduce internal absorption of light and todirect light emissions toward an intended light-transmissive surface. Incertain embodiments, a flexible light emitting device may include asubstantially uniform thickness. In other embodiments, a flexible lightemitting device may include a thickness that varies with position, suchas a thickness that tapers in one direction or multiple directions. Incertain embodiments, presence of a tapered thickness may help a flexiblelight emitting device to more easily be wrapped against or to conform toareas of a mammalian (e.g., human) body.

In certain embodiments, one or multiple holes or perforations may bedefined in a substrate and any associated encapsulant material. Incertain embodiments, holes may be arranged to permit transit of air,such as may be useful for thermal management. In certain embodiments,holes may be arranged to permit transit of wound exudate. In certainembodiments, one or more holes may be arranged to permit sensing of atleast one condition through the hole(s). Holes may be defined by anysuitable means such as laser perforation, die pressing, slitting,punching, blade cutting, and roller perforation. In certain embodiments,holes may have uniform or non-uniform size, placement, and/ordistribution relative to a substrate and encapsulant material.

In certain embodiments, a device for photomodulation of nitric oxide inliving mammalian tissue as disclosed herein may include one or morelight-affecting elements such as one or more light extraction features,wavelength conversion materials, light diffusion or scatteringmaterials, and/or light diffusion or scattering features. In certainembodiments, one or more light affecting elements may be arranged in alayer between a light emitting element and a light transmissive surfaceof a device. In certain embodiments, an encapsulant material (e.g.,encapsulant material layer) may be arranged between at least one lightemitting element and one or more light affecting elements. In certainembodiments, one or more light affecting elements may be formed ordispersed within an encapsulant material.

In certain embodiments, impingement of light on living tissue and/oroperation of a device as disclosed herein may be responsive to one ormore signals generated by one or more sensors or other elements. Varioustypes of sensors are contemplated, including temperature sensors,photosensors, image sensors, proximity sensors, pressure sensors,chemical sensors, biosensors, accelerometers, moisture sensors,oximeters, current sensors, voltage sensors, and the like. Otherelements that may affect impingement of light and/or operation of adevice as disclosed herein include a timer, a cycle counter, a manuallyoperated control element, a wireless transmitter and/or receiver (as maybe embodied in a transceiver), a laptop or tablet computer, a mobilephone, or another portable electronic or digital device external to alighting device. Wired and/or wireless communication between a device asdisclosed herein and one or more signal generating or signal receivingelements may be provided.

In certain embodiments, impingement of light on living tissue and/oroperation of a device as disclosed herein may be responsive to one ormore temperature signals. For example, a temperature condition may besensed on or proximate to (a) a device arranged to emit ES increasinglight and/or ES releasing light or (b) the tissue; at least one signalindicative of the temperature condition may be generated; and operationof a lighting device may be controlled responsive to the at least onesignal. Such control may include initiation of operation, deviation (oralteration) of operation, or termination of operation of light emittingelements, such as elements arranged to emit ES increasing light and/orES releasing light. In certain embodiments, thermal foldback protectionmay be provided at a threshold temperature (e.g., >42° Celsius) toprevent a user from experiencing burns or discomfort. In certainembodiments, thermal foldback protection may trigger a light emittingdevice to terminate operation, reduce current, or change an operatingstate in response to receipt of a signal indicating an excesstemperature condition.

In certain embodiments, a device for modulating nitric oxide in livingmammalian tissue as disclosed herein may be used for wound care, and mayinclude one or more sensors. In certain embodiments, one or more lightemitters and photodiodes may be provided to illuminate a wound site withone or more selected wavelengths (e.g., green light) to detect bloodflow in or proximate to the wound site to provide photoplethsmyographydata. One sensor or multiple sensors may be provided. A device mayalternatively or additionally include sensors arranged to detect bloodpressure, bandage or dressing covering pressure, heart rate,temperature, presence or concentration of chemical or biological species(e.g., in wound exudate), or other conditions.

In certain embodiments, a device for modulating nitric oxide in livingmammalian tissue as disclosed herein may include a memory element tostore information indicative of one or more sensor signals. Suchinformation may be used for diagnosis, assessing patient compliance,assessing patient status, assessing patient improvement, and assessingfunction of the device. In certain embodiments, information indicativeof one or more sensor signals may be transmitted via wired or wirelessmeans (e.g., via Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, or another suitable protocol)to a mobile phone, a computer, a data logging device, or anothersuitable device that may optionally be connected to a local network, awide-area network, a telephonic network, or other communication network.In certain embodiments, a data port (e.g., micro USB or other type) maybe provided to permit extraction or interrogation of informationcontained in a memory.

Details of illustrative devices that may be used for modulating nitricoxide in living mammalian tissue are described hereinafter.

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of a device10 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, the device 10including multiple direct view light emitting sources 12 supported by asubstrate 11 and covered with an encapsulant material 14, which may beembodied in a sheet or layer. The substrate 11 preferably includes aflexible PCB, which may include a reflective surface to reflect lighttoward a light-transmissive outer surface 19 of the device 10. As shownin FIG. 9 , the encapsulant material 14 covers the light emittingsources 12 and an upper surface of the substrate 11; however, it is tobe appreciated that in certain embodiments the encapsulant material 14may cover both upper and lower surfaces of the substrate 11. In certainembodiments, different light emitting sources 12 may generate lighthaving different peak wavelengths. In certain embodiments, one or morelight emitting sources 12 may include a multi-emitter package arrangedto generate one or multiple peak wavelengths of light. In certainembodiments, one or more light emitting sources 12 may be arranged toproduce one or both of ES increasing light and ES releasing light.

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 20 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, thedevice 20 including multiple direct view light emitting sources 22supported by a substrate 21 and covered with an encapsulant material 24,which may be embodied in a sheet or layer. The substrate 21 preferablyincludes a flexible PCB, which may include a reflective surface toreflect light toward a light-transmissive outer surface 29 of the device20. At least one functional material (e.g., wavelength conversionmaterial and/or scattering material) 23 is disposed within theencapsulant material 24. In certain embodiments, the at least onefunctional material 23 includes one or more wavelength conversionmaterials, such as at least one of a phosphor material, a fluorescentdye material, a quantum dot material, and a fluorophore material. Incertain embodiments, wavelength materials of different peak wavelengthsmay be applied over different light emitting sources 22. In certainembodiments, the at least one functional material 23 is applied bydispensing or printing. In certain embodiments, one or more lightemitting sources 22 may include a multi-emitter package arranged togenerate one or multiple peak wavelengths of light. In certainembodiments, one or more light emitting sources 22 may be arranged toproduce one or both of ES increasing light and ES releasing light.

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 30 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, thedevice 30 including multiple direct view light emitting sources 32supported by a substrate 31 and covered with two encapsulant materiallayers 34A, 34B, with at least one functional material (e.g., wavelengthconversion and/or scattering material) sheet or layer 33 disposedbetween the encapsulant material layers 34A, 34B. The substrate 31preferably includes a flexible PCB, which may include a reflectivesurface to reflect light toward a light-transmissive outer surface 39 ofthe device 30. In certain embodiments, the at least one functionalmaterial sheet or layer 33 includes one or more wavelength conversionmaterials, such as at least one of a phosphor material, a fluorescentdye material, a quantum dot material, or a fluorophore material. Incertain embodiments, one or more light emitting sources 32 may include amulti-emitter package arranged to generate one or multiple peakwavelengths of light. In certain embodiments, one or more light emittingsources 32 may be arranged to produce one or both of ES increasing lightand ES releasing light.

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 40 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, thedevice 40 including multiple direct view light emitting sources 42supported by a substrate 41 and covered by an encapsulant material 44,which may be embodied in a sheet or layer. The substrate 41 preferablyincludes a flexible PCB, which may include a reflective surface toreflect light toward a light-transmissive outer surface 49 of the device40. The encapsulant material 44 is covered with a diffusion orscattering material layer 43. In certain embodiments, the diffusion orscattering material layer 43 may include acrylic, PET-G, silicone, or apolymeric sheet. In certain embodiments, the diffusion or scatteringmaterial layer 43 may include scattering particles such as zinc oxide,silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, or the like. In certain embodiments,one or more light emitting sources 42 may include a multi-emitterpackage arranged to generate one or multiple peak wavelengths of light.In certain embodiments, one or more light emitting sources 42 may bearranged to produce one or both of ES increasing light and ES releasinglight.

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 50 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, thedevice 50 including multiple direct view light emitting sources 52supported by a substrate 51. The substrate 51 preferably includes aflexible PCB, which may include a reflective surface to reflect lighttoward a light-transmissive outer surface 59 of the device 50. Multiplemolded features 55 (e.g., molded from silicone) overlie the lightemitting sources 52. An encapsulant or light coupling material 54 isarranged between the light emitting sources 52 and the molded features55. In certain embodiments, light coupling material 54 may include alight coupling gel with an index of refraction that differs from anindex of refraction of the molded features 55. The molded features 55may be arranged along the light transmissive outer surface 59 of thedevice 50. In certain embodiments, one or more light emitting sources 52may include a multi-emitter package arranged to generate one or multiplepeak wavelengths of light. In certain embodiments, one or more lightemitting sources 52 may be arranged to produce one or both of ESincreasing light and ES releasing light.

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 60 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, thedevice 60 including a flexible substrate 61, a passive-matrix organiclight emitting diode (OLED) structure (embodied in an anode layer 66A, acathode layer 66B, and an OLED stack 62 between the anode and cathodelayers 66A, 66B. In certain embodiments, the OLED stack 62 may beconfigured to generate multiple wavelengths of light. The substrate 61preferably includes a flexible PCB, which may include a reflectivesurface to reflect light toward a light-transmissive outer surface 69 ofthe device 60. An encapsulant layer 64 is arranged over the cathodelayer 66B and preferably defines the light-transmissive outer surface 69of the device 60. In certain embodiments, one or more light emittingwavelengths produced by the OLED stack 62 may include ES increasinglight and/or ES releasing light.

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 70 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, thedevice 70 including a flexible substrate 71, multiple direct view lightemitting sources 72 supported by the substrate 71, and encapsulantmaterial layers 74A, 74B arranged above and below the substrate 71,respectively. The substrate 71 preferably includes a flexible PCB, whichmay include a reflective surface to reflect light toward alight-transmissive outer surface 79 of the device 70. The light emittingdevice 70 further includes holes or perforations 77 defined through boththe substrate 71 and the encapsulant material layers 74A, 74B. Incertain embodiments, one or more light emitting sources 72 may bearranged to produce one or both of ES increasing light and ES releasinglight.

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 80 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue,wherein the device 80 includes multiple direct view light emittingsources 82 supported by a flexible substrate 81 and covered by anencapsulant layer 84. The substrate 81 preferably includes a flexiblePCB, which may include a reflective surface to reflect light toward alight-transmissive outer surface 89 of the device 80. The device 80 ispreferably flexible to permit it to be bent or shaped into a variety ofshapes to conform to a portion of a mammalian body. As illustrated, thedevice 80 is arranged in a concave configuration with the multiple lightemitting sources 82 arranged to direct emissions toward a center ofcurvature of the device 80. In certain embodiments, one or more lightemitting sources 82 may be arranged to produce one or both of ESincreasing light and ES releasing light.

FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 90 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue,wherein the device 90 includes multiple direct view light emittingsources 92 supported by a flexible substrate 91 and covered by anencapsulant layer 94. The substrate 91 preferably includes a flexiblePCB, which may include a reflective surface to reflect light toward alight-transmissive outer surface 99 of the device 90. The device 90 ispreferably flexible to permit it to be bent or shaped into a variety ofshapes to conform to a portion of a mammalian body. As illustrated, thedevice 90 is arranged in a convex configuration with the multiple lightemitting elements 92 arranged to direct emissions away from a center ofcurvature of the device 90. In certain embodiments, one or more lightemitting sources 92 may be arranged to produce one or both of ESincreasing light and ES releasing light.

FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 100 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue,wherein the device 100 is edge lit with one or more light emittingsources 102 supported by a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) 101 thatpreferably includes a reflective surface. Other non-light-transmissivesurfaces of the device 100 are bounded by a flexible reflectivesubstrate 105 arranged to reflect light toward a light-transmissiveouter surface 109 of the device 100. The flexible PCB 101, the lightemitting source(s) 102, and the flexible reflective substrate 105 arecovered with an encapsulant material 104, which may include silicone. Asillustrated, the device 100 may include a substantially constantthickness. In certain embodiments, one or more light emitting sources102 may be arranged to produce one or both of ES increasing light and ESreleasing light.

FIG. 19 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 110 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue,wherein the device 110 is edge lit with one or more light emittingsources 112 supported by a flexible PCB 111 that preferably includes areflective surface. A non-light-transmitting face of the device 110 isbounded by a flexible reflective substrate 115 arranged to reflect lighttoward a light-transmissive outer surface 119 of the device 110. Theflexible PCB 111, the light emitting source(s) 112, and the flexiblereflective substrate 115 are covered with an encapsulant material 114,which may include silicone. As illustrated, the device 110 may include athickness that is tapered with distance away from the light emittingsources 112. Such tapered thickness may enable the device 110 to moreeasily be wrapped against or to conform to areas of a mammalian (e.g.,human) body. In certain embodiments, one or more light emitting sources112 may be arranged to produce one or both of ES increasing light and ESreleasing light.

FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 120 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue,wherein the device 120 is edge lit with one or more light emittingsources 122 supported by a flexible PCB 121 that bounds multiple edgesand a face of the device 120. The flexible PCB 121 preferably includes areflective surface arranged to reflect light toward a light-transmissiveouter surface 129 of the device 120. The flexible PCB 121 and the lightemitting source(s) 122 are covered with an encapsulant material 124,which may include silicone. In certain embodiments, one or more lightemitting sources 122 may be arranged to produce one or both of ESincreasing light and ES releasing light.

FIG. 21 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 130 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue,wherein the device 130 is edge lit with one or more light emittingsources 132 supported by a flexible PCB 131 that bounds one edge and oneface of the device 130. The flexible PCB 131 preferably includes areflective surface arranged to reflect light toward a light-transmissiveouter surface 139 of the device 130. The flexible PCB 131 and the lightemitting source(s) 132 are covered with an encapsulant material 134,which may include silicone. As illustrated, the device 130 may include athickness that is tapered with distance away from the light emittingsources 132. In certain embodiments, one or more light emitting sources132 may be arranged to produce one or both of ES increasing light and ESreleasing light.

FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 140 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue,wherein the device 140 is edge lit with one or more light emittingsources 142 supported by a flexible PCB 141 that bounds multiple edgesand a face of the device 140. In certain embodiments, one or more lightemitting sources 142 may include a multi-emitter package arranged togenerate one or multiple peak wavelengths of light. The flexible PCB 141preferably includes a reflective surface arranged to reflect lighttoward a light-transmissive outer surface 149 of the device 140. Theflexible PCB 141 and the light emitting source(s) 142 are covered withan encapsulant material 144, which may include silicone. Between thelight-transmissive outer surface 149 and the encapsulant material 144,the device 140 further includes a diffusing and/or scattering layer 143.In certain embodiments, the diffusing and/or scattering layer 143 mayinclude a sheet of material; in other embodiments, the diffusing and/orscattering layer 143 may include particles applied in or on theencapsulant material 144. In certain embodiments, one or more lightemitting sources 142 may be arranged to produce one or both of ESincreasing light and ES releasing light.

FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 150 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue,wherein the device 150 is edge lit with one or more light emittingsources 152 supported by a flexible PCB 151 that bounds one edge and oneface of the device 150. In certain embodiments, one or more lightemitting sources 152 may include a multi-emitter package arranged togenerate one or multiple peak wavelengths of light. The flexible PCB 151preferably includes a reflective surface arranged to reflect lighttoward a light-transmissive outer surface 159 of the device 150. Theflexible PCB 151 and the light emitting source(s) 152 are covered withan encapsulant material 154, which may include silicone. Between thelight-transmissive outer surface 159 and the encapsulant material 154,the device 150 further includes a diffusing and/or scattering layer 153.In certain embodiments, the diffusing and/or scattering layer 153 mayinclude a sheet of material; in other embodiments, the diffusing and/orscattering layer 153 may include particles applied in or on theencapsulant material 154. As illustrated, the device 150 may include athickness that is tapered with distance away from the light emittingsources 152. In certain embodiments, one or more light emitting sources152 may be arranged to produce one or both of ES increasing light and ESreleasing light.

FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 160 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue,wherein the device 160 is edge lit with one or more light emittingsources 162 supported by a flexible PCB 161 that bounds multiple edgesand a face of the device 160. In certain embodiments, one or more lightemitting sources 162 may include a multi-emitter package arranged togenerate one or multiple peak wavelengths of light. The flexible PCB 161preferably includes a reflective surface arranged to reflect lighttoward a light-transmissive outer surface 169 of the device 160. Theflexible PCB 161 and the light emitting source(s) 162 are covered withan encapsulant material 164, which may include silicone. Between thelight-transmissive outer surface 169 and the encapsulant material 164,the device 160 further includes a wavelength conversion material 163. Incertain embodiments, the wavelength conversion material 163 may includea sheet or layer of material; in other embodiments, the wavelengthconversion material 163 may include particles applied in or on theencapsulant material 164. In certain embodiments, one or more lightemitting sources 162 may be arranged to produce one or both of ESincreasing light and ES releasing light.

FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 170 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue,wherein the device 170 is edge lit with one or more light emittingsources 172 supported by a flexible PCB 171 that bounds one edge and oneface of the device 170. In certain embodiments, one or more lightemitting sources 172 may include a multi-emitter package arranged togenerate one or multiple peak wavelengths of light. The flexible PCB 171preferably includes a reflective surface arranged to reflect lighttoward a light-transmissive outer surface 179 of the device 170. Theflexible PCB 171 and the light emitting source(s) 172 are covered withan encapsulant material 174, which may include silicone. Between thelight-transmissive outer surface 179 and the encapsulant material 174,the device 170 further includes a wavelength conversion material 173. Incertain embodiments, the wavelength conversion material 173 may includea sheet or layer of material; in other embodiments, the wavelengthconversion material 173 may include particles applied in or on theencapsulant material 174. As illustrated, the device 170 may include athickness that is tapered with distance away from the light emittingsources 172. In certain embodiments, one or more light emitting sources172 may be arranged to produce one or both of ES increasing light and ESreleasing light.

FIG. 26 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 180 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue,wherein the device 180 is edge lit along multiple edges with multiplelight emitting sources 182 supported by a flexible PCB 181 having areflective surface arranged to reflect light toward a light-transmissiveouter surface 189 of the device 180. The flexible PCB 181 and lightemitting sources 182 are covered with an encapsulant material 184, and awavelength conversion material 183 is distributed in the encapsulantmaterial 184. In certain embodiments, one or more light emitting sources182 may include a multi-emitter package arranged to generate one ormultiple peak wavelengths of light. In certain embodiments, one or morelight emitting sources 182 may be arranged to produce one or both of ESincreasing light and ES releasing light.

FIG. 27 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 190 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue,wherein the device 190 is edge lit along multiple edges with multiplelight emitting sources 192 supported by a flexible PCB 191 having areflective surface arranged to reflect light toward a light-transmissiveouter surface 199 of the device 190. The device 190 further includesraised light extraction features 197 supported by the flexible PCB 191,with such features 197 serving to reflect laterally-transmitted lighttoward the outer surface 199. An encapsulant material 194 is providedover the flexible PCB 191, the light emitting sources 192, and the lightextraction features 197. In certain embodiments, one or more lightemitting sources 192 may include a multi-emitter package arranged togenerate one or multiple peak wavelengths of light. In certainembodiments, one or more light emitting sources 192 may be arranged toproduce one or both of ES increasing light and ES releasing light.

In certain embodiments, the light extraction features 197 may bedispensed, molded, layered, or painted on the flexible PCB 191. Incertain embodiments, different light extraction features 197 may includedifferent indices of refraction. In certain embodiments, different lightextraction features 197 may include different sizes and/or shapes. Incertain embodiments, light extraction features 197 may be uniformly ornon-uniformly distributed over the flexible PCB 191. In certainembodiments, light extraction features 197 may include tapered surfaces.In certain embodiments, different light extraction features 197 mayinclude one or more connected portions or surfaces. In certainembodiments, different light extraction features 197 may be discrete orspatially separated relative to one another. In certain embodiments,light extraction features 197 may be arranged in lines, rows, zig-zagshapes, or other patterns. In certain embodiments, one or morewavelength conversion materials may be arranged on or proximate to oneor more light extraction features 197.

FIG. 28 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a portion of adevice 200 for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue,wherein the device 200 is edge lit along multiple edges with multiplelight emitting sources 202 supported by a flexible PCB 201 having areflective surface arranged to reflect light toward a light-transmissiveouter surface 209 of the device 200. In certain embodiments, one or morelight emitting sources 202 may be arranged to produce one or both of ESincreasing light and ES releasing light. Encapsulant material layers204A, 204B are arranged above and below the flexible PCB 201 and overthe light emitting sources 202. Holes or perforations 205 are definedthrough the flexible PCB 201 and the encapsulant material layers 204A,204B. The holes or perforations 205 preferably allow passage of at leastone of air and exudate through the device 200.

Holes or perforations defined through a device (e.g., through a PCB andencapsulant layers) as described herein may include holes of variousshapes and configurations. Holes may be round, oval, rectangular,square, polygonal, or any other suitable axial shape. Cross-sectionalshapes of holes or perforations may be constant or non-constant.Cross-sectional shapes that may be employed according to certainembodiments are shown in FIGS. 29A-29C. FIG. 29A is a cross-sectionalview of a first exemplary hole 215A definable through an encapsulantlayer 214A of a device for delivering light energy to living mammaliantissue, the hole 215A having a diameter that is substantially constantwith depth and extending to an outer light transmissive surface 219A.FIG. 29B is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary hole 215Bdefinable through an encapsulant layer 214B of a device for deliveringlight energy to living mammalian tissue, the hole 215B having a diameterthat increases with increasing depth and extending to an outer lighttransmissive surface 219B. FIG. 29C is a cross-sectional view of a thirdexemplary hole 215C definable through an encapsulant layer 214C of adevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, the hole215C having a diameter that decreases with increasing depth andextending to an outer light transmissive surface 219C.

In certain embodiments, perforations or holes may encompass at least 2%,at least 5%, at least 7%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, orat least 25% of a facial area of a device for delivering light energy toliving mammalian tissue as disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, oneor more of the preceding ranges may be bounded by an upper limit of nogreater than 10%, no greater than 15%, no greater than 20%, or nogreater than 30%. In certain embodiments, perforations or holes may beprovided with substantially uniform size and distribution, withsubstantially uniform distribution but non-uniform size, withnon-uniform size and non-uniform distribution, or any other desiredcombination of size and distribution patterns.

FIG. 30 is a top schematic view of at least a portion of a device 220for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, wherein thedevice 220 is edge lit along multiple edges with multiple light emittingsources 222 supported by a flexible PCB 221. The flexible PCB 221 ispreferably encapsulated on one or both sides with an encapsulantmaterial. Multiple holes or perforations 225 of substantially uniformsize and substantially uniform distribution are defined through theflexible PCB 221 and any associated encapsulant material layers. Theflexible PCB 221 preferably includes a reflective material arranged toreflect light toward a light transmissive outer surface 229 of thedevice 220. In certain embodiments, one or more light emitting sources222 may be arranged to produce one or both of ES increasing light and ESreleasing light.

FIG. 31 is a top schematic view of at least a portion of a device 230for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, wherein thedevice 230 is edge lit along multiple edges with multiple light emittingsources 232 supported by a flexible PCB 231. The flexible PCB 231 ispreferably encapsulated on one or both sides with an encapsulantmaterial. Multiple holes or perforations 235-1, 235-2 of differingsizes, but substantially uniform distribution, are defined through theflexible PCB 231 and any associated encapsulant material layers. Theflexible PCB 231 preferably includes a reflective material arranged toreflect light toward a light transmissive outer surface 239 of thedevice 230. In certain embodiments, one or more light emitting sources232 may be arranged to produce one or both of ES increasing light and ESreleasing light.

FIG. 32 is a top schematic view of at least a portion of a device 240for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, wherein thedevice 240 is edge lit along multiple edges with multiple light emittingsources 242 supported by a flexible PCB 241. The flexible PCB 241 ispreferably encapsulated on one or both sides with an encapsulantmaterial. The flexible PCB 241 preferably includes a reflective materialarranged to reflect light toward a light transmissive outer surface 249of the device 240. Multiple holes or perforations 245-1, 245-2 ofdifferent sizes are provided in one or more clusters 245A (e.g.,proximate to one or more light emitting sources 242) and defined throughthe flexible PCB 241 and any associated encapsulant material layers. Incertain embodiments, one or more light emitting sources 242 may bearranged to produce one or both of ES increasing light and ES releasinglight.

FIG. 33 is a top schematic view of at least a portion of a device 250for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue, wherein thedevice 250 is edge lit along multiple edges with multiple light emittingsources 252 supported by a flexible PCB 251. The flexible PCB 251 ispreferably encapsulated on one or both sides with an encapsulantmaterial. The flexible PCB 251 preferably includes a reflective materialarranged to reflect light toward a light transmissive outer surface 259of the device 250. Multiple holes or perforations 255-1, 255-2 ofdifferent sizes and with a non-uniform (e.g., random) distribution aredefined through the flexible PCB 251 and any associated encapsulantmaterial layers. In certain embodiments, one or more light emittingsources 252 may be arranged to produce one or both of ES increasinglight and ES releasing light.

FIG. 34A is a top schematic view of at least a portion of a lightemitting device 260 for delivering light energy to living mammaliantissue and at least a portion of a battery/control module 270, whereinan elongated electrical cable 276 is associated with the battery/controlmodule 270 for connecting the battery/control module 270 to the lightemitting device 260. The light emitting device 260 is edge lit along oneedge with a light emitting region 261A supported by a flexible PCB 261.The flexible PCB 261 is preferably encapsulated on one or both sideswith an encapsulant material. The flexible PCB 261 preferably includes areflective material arranged to reflect light toward a lighttransmissive outer surface 269 of the device 260. Multiple holes orperforations 265 are defined through the flexible PCB 261 and anyassociated encapsulant material layers. One or more sensors 263 (e.g.,temperature sensors or any other types of sensors disclosed herein) arearranged in or on the flexible PCB 261. A socket 268 associated with thelight emitting device 260 is arranged to receive a plug 277 to which theelectrical cable 276 from the battery/control module 270 is attached.The battery/control module 270 includes a body 271, a battery 272, and acontrol board 273, which may include an emitter driver circuit and/orany suitable control, sensing, interface, data storage, and/orcommunication components as disclosed herein. The battery/control module270 may further include a port or other interface 278 to enablecommunication with an external device (e.g., laptop or tablet computer,a mobile phone, or another portable digital device) via wired orwireless means.

FIG. 34B is a top schematic view of at least a portion of a lightemitting device 280 for delivering light energy to living mammaliantissue and at least a portion of a battery/control module 290, whereinan elongated electrical cable 286 is associated with the light emittingdevice 280 for connecting the light emitting device 280 to thebattery/control module 290. The light emitting device 280 is edge litalong one edge with a light emitting region 281A supported by a flexiblePCB 281. The flexible PCB 281 is preferably encapsulated on one or bothsides with an encapsulant material. The flexible PCB 281 preferablyincludes a reflective material arranged to reflect light toward a lighttransmissive outer surface 289 of the device 280. Multiple holes orperforations 285 are defined through the flexible PCB 281 and anyassociated encapsulant material layers. One or more sensors 283 (e.g.,temperature sensors or any other types of sensors disclosed herein) arearranged in or on the flexible PCB 281. A socket 298 associated with thebattery/control module 290 is arranged to receive a plug 287 to whichthe electrical cable 286 from the light emitting device 280 is attached.The battery/control module 290 includes a body 291, a battery 292, and acontrol board 293, which may include an emitter driver circuit and/orany suitable control, sensing, interface, data storage, and/orcommunication components as disclosed herein. The light emitting device280 may further include a port or other interface 288 to enablecommunication with an external device (e.g., laptop or tablet computer,a mobile phone, or another portable digital device) via wired orwireless means.

FIG. 35 is a top schematic view of at least a portion of a lightemitting device 300 for delivering light energy to living mammaliantissue and being connected via an electrical cord 316 to abattery/control module 310, wherein the light emitting device 300includes multiple light emitters 302 supported by a flexible PCB 301,multiple holes or perforations 305, and multiple sensors 303A-303C. Theflexible PCB 301 is preferably encapsulated on one or both sides with anencapsulant material. The flexible PCB 301 preferably includes areflective material arranged to reflect light toward a lighttransmissive outer surface 309 of the device 300. Multiple holes orperforations 305 are defined through the flexible PCB 301 and anyassociated encapsulant material layers. Multiple sensors 303A-303C arearranged in or on the flexible PCB 301. In certain embodiments, thesensors 303A-303C may differ in type from one another. In certainembodiments, the sensors 303A-303C may include one or more lightemitters and photodiodes to illuminate a wound site with one or moreselected wavelengths (e.g., green light) to detect blood flow in orproximate to a wound site to provide photoplethsmyography data. Thesensors 303A-303C may alternatively or additionally be arranged todetect blood pressure, bandage or dressing covering pressure, heartrate, temperature, presence or concentration of chemical or biologicalspecies (e.g., in wound exudate), or other conditions. A socket 308associated with the light emitting device 300 is arranged to receive aplug 317 to which the electrical cord 316 from the battery/controlmodule 310 is attached. The battery/control module 310 includes a body311, a battery 312, and a control board 313, which may include anemitter driver circuit and/or any suitable control, sensing, interface,data storage, and/or communication components as disclosed herein. Thebattery/control module 310 may further include a port or other interface318 to enable communication with an external device (e.g., laptop ortablet computer, a mobile phone, or another portable digital device) viawired or wireless means.

FIGS. 36A-36C illustrate different pulse profiles that may be used withdevices and methods according to the present disclosure. FIG. 36A is aplot of intensity versus time embodying a first exemplary illuminationcycle that may be used with at least one emitter of a light emittingdevice for delivering light energy to living mammalian tissue asdisclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 36A, a series of discrete pulses ofsubstantially equal intensity may be provided during at least one timewindow or a portion thereof. FIG. 36B is a plot of intensity versus timeembodying a second exemplary illumination cycle that may be used with atleast one emitter of a light emitting device disclosed herein. As shownin FIG. 36B, intensity may be reduced from a maximum (or high) value toa reduced but non-zero value during at least one time window. FIG. 36Cis a plot of intensity versus time embodying a third exemplaryillumination cycle that may be used with at least one emitter of a lightemitting device disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 36C, intensity may besteadily reduced from a maximum (or high) value to sequentially reducedvalues over time. Other pulse profiles may be used according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 37 is an exploded view of a light emitting device 405 embodied in awearable cap for delivering light energy to a scalp of a patient. Thedevice 405 includes multiple light emitters and standoffs supported by aflexible PCB 410 including multiple interconnected panels 412A-412Farranged in a concave configuration. A concave shaping member 430(including a central frame 431, ribs 432A-432D, and curved panels434A-434D) is configured to receive the flexible PCB 410. The ribs432A-432D and curved panels 434A-434D project generally outwardly anddownwardly from the central frame 431. Gaps are provided betweenportions of adjacent ribs 432A-432D and curved panels 434A-434D toaccommodate outward expansion and inward contraction, and to enabletransfer of heat and/or fluid (e.g., evaporation of sweat). A fabriccovering member 460 is configured to cover the concave shaping member430 and the flexible PCB 410 contained therein. A battery 450 and abattery holder 451 are arranged between the flexible PCB 410 and theconcave shaping member 430. An electronics housing 440 is arranged to bereceived within an opening 431A defined in the central frame 431 of theconcave shaping member 430. Pivotal coupling elements 441A, 451A arearranged to pivotally couple the battery holder 451 to the electronicshousing 440. An electronics board 441 is insertable into the electronicshousing 440, which is enclosed with a cover 442. Arranged on theelectronics board 441 are a cycle counter 443, a control button 444, acharging/data port 445, and a status lamp 446. The various elementsassociated with the electronics housing 440 and the electronics board441 may be referred to generally as a “control module.” Windows 442Adefined in the cover 442 provide access to the cycle counter 443, thecontrol button 444, the charging/data port 445, and the status lamp 446.The fabric covering element 460 includes a fabric body 461 and multipleinternal pockets 462A-462D arranged to receive portions of the ribs432A-432D. An opening 468 at the top of the fabric covering element 460is arranged to receive the cover 442.

FIG. 38 is a bottom plan view of the flexible PCB 410 including lightemitters 420 and standoffs 425 arranged thereon. The PCB 410 includes apolyimide substrate 411, an inner surface 411A, and an outer surface411B (shown in FIG. 37 ). In one embodiment, the light emitters 420include a total of 280 light emitting diodes arranged as 56 strings of 5LEDs, with a string voltage of 11V, a current limit of 5 mA, and a powerconsumption of 3.08 watts. FIG. 38 illustrates 36 standoffs 425extending from the inner surface 411A of the flexible PCB 410. Theflexible PCB 410 includes six interconnected panels 412A-412F, with thepanels 412A-412F being connected to one another via narrowed tab regions413B-413F. Gaps 414A-414F are provided between the various panels412A-412F, with such gaps 414A-414F (which are extended proximate to thenarrowed tab regions 413B-413F) being useful to permit transport of heatand/or fluid (e.g., evaporation of sweat) between the panels 412A-412F.As shown in FIG. 38 , holes 415A, 415B are defined through the substrate411 to receive fasteners (not shown) for joining the flexible PCB 410 tocorresponding holes (not shown) defined in the electronics housing 440.A further opening 415C may be provided for sensor communication betweena proximity sensor (e.g., photosensor) and the interior of the flexiblePCB 410 when the flexible PCB 410 is shaped into a concaveconfiguration.

FIG. 39 is a front elevation view of the assembled light emitting device405 embodied in the wearable cap of FIG. 37 superimposed over a modeledhuman head. As shown in FIG. 39 , the device 405 is embodied in a capwith a lower edge between a user's forehead and hairline, and above auser's ears.

FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram showing interconnections betweencomponents of a light emitting device for delivering light energy totissue of a patient according to one embodiment. A microcontroller 502is arranged to receive power from a battery 522 (nominally 3.7V) via a5V voltage boost circuit 512. The microcontroller may be arranged tocontrol a charging integrated circuit 514 arranged between a microUSBconnector 516 and the battery 522, wherein the microUSB connector 516may be used to receive current for charging the battery 522. In certainembodiments, the microUSB connector 516 may also be used forcommunicating data and/or instructions to or from the microcontroller502 and/or an associated memory. The microcontroller 502 is alsoarranged to control a 12V boost circuit 518 for increasing voltage toone or more LED arrays 520. The microcontroller 502 further controls oneor more LED driver circuits 510 arranged to drive the LED array(s) 520.The microcontroller 502 is also arranged to receive inputs from a userinput button 504, a temperature sensor 524, and a proximity sensor 526(which includes an infrared LED 528). The microcontroller 502 is furtherarranged to provide output signals to a LCD display 506 and a buzzer508. Certain components are located off-board relative to a controllerPCB, as indicated by the vertical dashed line in FIG. 40 . In operationof the light emitting device, a user may depress the button 504 to startoperation. If the proximity sensor 526 detects that the device has beenplaced in suitable proximity to desired tissue, then the microcontroller502 may trigger the LED driver circuit(s) 510 to energize the LEDarray(s) 520. Temperature during operation is monitored with thetemperature sensor 524. If an excess temperature condition is detected,then the microcontroller 502 may take appropriate action to reducecurrent supplied by the LED driver circuit(s) 510 to the LED array(s)520. Operation may continue until a timer (e.g., internal to themicrocontroller 502) causes operation to terminate automatically. One ormore indicator LEDs (not shown) may provide a visible signal indicativeof charging status of the battery 522. Audible signals for commencementand termination of operation may be provided by the buzzer 508 or asuitable speaker. Information relating to usage cycles, usage time, orany other suitable parameter may be displayed by the LCD display 506.

FIG. 41 is a schematic diagram depicting an interface between hardwaredrivers, functional components, and a software application suitable foroperating a light emitting device according to FIG. 40 . Applicationexecutive functions 503, including timers and counters 507, may beperformed with one or more integrated circuits (such as themicrocontroller 502 illustrated in FIG. 40 ). Hardware drivers 505 maybe used to interface with various input and output elements, such as theLED array(s) 520, the speaker or buzzer 508, the LCD display 506, thetemperature sensor 524, the push button 504, the indicator LEDs 509, andthe optical sensor (proximity sensor) 526.

FIG. 42 is a schematic elevation view of at least a portion of a lightemitting device 600 for delivering light energy to tissue in an internalcavity (e.g., body cavity) of a patient according to one embodiment. Incertain embodiments, a body cavity may comprise a vaginal cavity, anoral cavity, or an esophageal cavity. If used in an oral or esophagealcavity, one or more unobstructed channels or tubes (not shown) may beprovided in, on, or through the device 600 to avoid interruption withpatient breathing. The device 600 includes a body 601 that may be rigid,semi-rigid, or articulated. A treatment head 603 has arranged therein orthereon one or more light emitters 605, which are preferablyencapsulated in silicone or another suitable light transmissivematerial. In certain embodiments, the one or more light emitters 605 maybe arranged to produce ES increasing light and ES releasing light forimpingement on tissue located within an internal cavity of a patient totrigger release of NO. In certain embodiments, the light emitters may beexternal to the body 601, and light emissions of the light emitters maybe extracted at features that are arranged on the end of the body 601(e.g., in or along treatment head 603), and light may exit the treatmenthead 603 at apertures or positions corresponding to element number 605.

FIG. 43A is a schematic elevation view of at least a portion of a lightemitting device 610 including a concave light emitting surface 614including one or more light emitters 615 for delivering light energy tocervical tissue of a patient according to one embodiment. The device 610includes a body 611 that may be rigid, semi-rigid, or articulated. Ajoint 612 may be arranged between the body 611 and a treatment head 613.The treatment head 613 has arranged therein or thereon the one or morelight emitters 615, which are preferably encapsulated in silicone oranother suitable light transmissive material. In certain embodiments,the one or more light emitters 615 may be configured to generateemissions suitable for neutralizing pathogens such as human papillomavirus (HPV) present on cervical tissue. In certain embodiments, the oneor more light emitters 615 may be arranged to produce ES increasinglight and ES releasing light for impingement on tissue located within aninternal cavity of a patient to trigger release of NO.

FIG. 43B illustrates the device 610 of FIG. 43A inserted into a vaginalcavity 650 to deliver light energy to cervical tissue 655 of a patientproximate to a cervical opening 656. The concave light emitting surface614 may be configured to approximately match a convex profile of thecervical tissue 655.

FIG. 44A is a schematic elevation view of at least a portion of a lightemitting device 620 including a light emitting surface 624 with aprotruding probe portion 626 for delivering light energy to cervicaltissue of a patient according to another embodiment. The probe portion626 includes light emitters and is arranged to deliver light energy intoa cervical opening. The device 620 includes a body 621 that may berigid, semi-rigid, or articulated. A joint 622 may be arranged betweenthe body 621 and a treatment head 623. The treatment head 623 hasarranged therein or thereon one or more light emitters 625, which arepreferably encapsulated in silicone or another suitable lighttransmissive material. The treatment head 623 may include the lightemitting surface 624, which may optionally be convex to cast a wideroutput beam. In certain embodiments, the one or more light emitters 625may be configured to generate emissions suitable for neutralizingpathogens such as human papilloma virus (HPV) present on cervicaltissue. In certain embodiments, the one or more light emitters 625 maybe arranged to produce ES increasing light and ES releasing light forimpingement on tissue located within an internal cavity of a patient totrigger release of NO.

FIG. 44B illustrates the device 620 of FIG. 44A inserted into a vaginalcavity 650 to deliver light energy to cervical tissue 655 of a patientproximate and within to a cervical opening 656. The primary lightemitting surface 624 may be arranged to impinge light on cervical tissuebounding the vaginal cavity 650, whereas the probe portion 626 may beinserted into the cervical opening 656 to deliver additional lightenergy therein to increase the amount of cervical tissue subject toreceipt of light energy for addressing one or more conditions includingpathogen (e.g., HPV) neutralization.

To investigate whether NO may be photomodulated in at least certaintypes of cells for extended periods (e.g., hours) and to evaluatepotential toxicity of photomodulation, Applicant performed variousexperiments on two types of cells—namely, ketatinocytes and fibroblasts.

Referring to FIGS. 45-48 , isolated ketatinocytes were exposed to 420 nmlight to achieve doses of 0, 1, 5, and 50 J/cm². Fluence of light wasfound to determine efficacy of NO modulation as well as cytotoxicity. Asshown in FIG. 45 , cell viability over periods from 0 to 24 hours fromlight exposure was unaffected by doses of 0, 1, and 5 J/cm², but lightexposure at 50 J/cm² resulted in a substantial drop in cell viability,declining to a value below 20% within 24 hours after irradiation.

Referring to FIGS. 46 and 47 , the amount of NOS enzymes (namely, iNOSin FIG. 46 , and nNOS in FIG. 47 ) expressed in the keratinocyte cellswas quantified at intervals of 0 hours (immediately), 1 hour, 4 hours,and 8 hours after irradiation ended. The number of cells exhibiting iNOSand nNOS increased with increasing irradiation. In FIG. 46 , thepercentage of cells expressing iNOS generally remained the same ordecreased 1 hour after light exposure; the percentage of cellsexpressing iNOS increased for doses of 1 and 50 J/cm² at a time 4 hoursafter light exposure, and the percentage of cells expressing iNOSremained elevated only for the dose of 50 J/cm² at a time 24 hours afterlight exposure. In FIG. 47 , the percentage of cells expressing nNOSgenerally increased for all doses of 0, 1, 5, and 50 J/cm² at a time 1hour after light exposure, the percentage of cells expressing nNOSremained elevated only for the dose of 50 J/cm² at time periods of 4hours and 8 hours after light exposure. FIGS. 46 and 47 show thecapability of generated nitric oxide synthases with photomodulation.

Referring to FIG. 48 , intracellular NO was measured with4-Amino-5-Methylamino-2′,7′-Difluorofluorescein Diacetate (DAF-FMDiacetate). The number of cells exhibiting intracellular NO increasedwith increasing irradiation. Intracellular NO was measured immediatelyafter light exposure as well as 4 and 8 hours after exposure. FIG. 48shows that NO is released for greater than 4 hours after irradiation,thereby suggesting enzymatic NO generation.

Turning to FIGS. 49-52 , isolated fibroblasts were exposed to 420 nmlight to achieve doses of 0, 5, 25, and 50 J/cm². Fluence of light wasfound to determine efficacy of NO modulation as well as cytotoxicity. Asshown in FIG. 49 , cell viability over periods from 0 to 24 hours fromlight exposure was substantially unaffected by doses of 0, 5, 25, and 50J/cm².

Referring to FIGS. 50 and 51 , the amount of NOS enzymes (namely, iNOSin FIG. 50 , and eNOS in FIG. 51 ) expressed in the fibroblast cells wasquantified at intervals of 0 hours (immediately), 1 hour, and 6 hoursafter irradiation ended. In both figures, the number of cells exhibitingiNOS or eNOS generally increased with increasing irradiation. In FIG. 50, the percentage of cells expressing iNOS was particularly elevated forthe dose of 50 J/cm² at a time period of 6 hours after irradiation,thereby suggesting enzymatic NO generation. Referring to FIG. 51 , thepercentage of cells expressing eNOS remained generally elevated at atime period of 6 hours after irradiation, but the dose of 50 J/cm² wasparticularly elevated at this time period.

Referring to FIG. 52 , intracellular NO was measured with 4-AminoMethylamino-2′,7′-Difluorofluorescein Diacetate (DAF-FM Diacetate). Thenumber of cells exhibiting intracellular NO increased with increasingirradiation. Intracellular NO was measured immediately after lightexposure as well as 1 and 6 hours after exposure. FIG. 52 shows that NOis released for greater than 4 hours after irradiation, therebysuggesting enzymatic NO generation. The percentage of cells withintracellular NO remained elevated at 1 hour and 6 hours afterirradiation for the dose of 50 J/cm², but was particularly elevated at 6hours for 50 J/cm².

Taken in combination, FIGS. 49-52 demonstrate the capability ofgenerating nitric oxide synthases and NO using 420 nm light for 6 hourspost irradiation without associated toxicity.

Efficacy of the liberation of nitric oxide from protein complexes (bybreaking nitroso or nitrosyl bonds) depends on the wavelength of lightused. Different types of bonds (e.g., RSNO, RNNO, and metal-NO) mayrequire different light wavelength and light irradiation values toeffectuate release of nitric oxide. To investigate whether certain lightwavelengths and light irradiation values may be more effective thanothers at releasing different endogenous stores of NO (i.e., to serve asES releasing light), Applicant performed various experiments withhemoglobin-NO, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), albumin-NO, cytochrome c-NO,cytochrome c-oxidase-NO, and mitochondria-NO. Details of theseexperiments are described hereinafter in connection with FIGS. 53 to 64.

FIG. 53 is a plot of NO release rate (PPB/s) versus irradiance (J/cm²)from hemoglobin-NO for nine (9) different wavelengths of incoherentlight ranging from 410 nm to 850 nm. Nitric oxide was added tohemoglobin by reacting proline-NONOate with hemoglobin in PBS (pH 6.5)under anaerobic conditions and in the dark. After 45 minutes ofreaction, the NO release was measured as a function of irradiation usinga chemiluminescence detector. As shown, all wavelengths resulted inrelease of NO (at a roughly constant rate for all irradiance valuesgreater than about 2 J/cm²), but the release rate was highest for 420 nmlight, second highest for 410 nm light, and lowest for longerwavelengths (e.g., 850 nm light). Referring to FIG. 54 , total NOreleased from hemoglobin was quantified by integrating the data on NOrelease rate of FIG. 53 . A linear relationship is observed for eachwavelength, with higher irradiance values resulting in higher total NOrelease. The highest amount of total NO release was achieved with 420 nmlight, the second highest amount was achieved with 410 nm light, and thelowest amount of total NO release was achieved with 597 nm light.Notably, FIG. 54 omits data for 660 nm light and 850 nm light.

FIG. 55 is a plot of NO release rate (PPB/s) versus irradiance (J/cm2)from S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) for ten (10) different wavelengths ofincoherent light ranging from 410 nm to 850 nm. The NO-release fromS-nitrosoglutathione was measured in PBS (pH 6.5), at room temperatureas a function of irradiation via chemiluminescent detection. As shown,all wavelengths resulted in some release of NO, but the release rate washighest for the shortest wavelength (410 nm) light and lowest for thelongest wavelength (850 nm) light. Referring to FIG. 56 , total NOreleased from hemoglobin was quantified by integrating the data on NOrelease rate of FIG. 55 . The highest amounts of total NO release wereachieved with 410 nm and 420 nm light, and the lowest amount of total NOrelease was achieved with 850 nm light.

FIG. 57 is a plot of NO release rate (PPB/s) versus irradiance (J/cm²)from albumin-NO for nine (9) different wavelengths of incoherent lightranging from 420 nm to 850 nm. Nitric oxide was added to bovine serumalbumin by reacting with proline-NONOate in PBS (pH 6.5) under anaerobicconditions and in the dark. After 45 minutes of reaction, the NO releasewas measured as a function of irradiation using a chemiluminescencedetector. As shown, the highest NO release rate was achieved for thewavelength of 448 nm, and the second and third highest NO release rateswere achieved for wavelengths of 420 nm and 470 nm, respectively, witheach of the foregoing three wavelengths causing an initial spike orincrease in NO release rate followed by a lower release rate. Referringto FIG. 58 , total NO released from albumin-NO was quantified byintegrating the data on NO release rate of FIG. 57 . Similar amounts oftotal NO release were achieved for 420 nm light, 448 nm light, and 470nm light. An intermediate amount of total NO release was achieved for505 nm light. Relatively little total NO release was achieved for lightof other wavelengths.

FIG. 59 is a plot of NO release rate (PPB/s) versus irradiance (J/cm²)from cytochrome c-NO for ten (10) different wavelengths of incoherentlight ranging from 410 nm to 850 nm. Nitric oxide was added tocytochrome c by reacting proline-NONOate in PBS (pH 6.5) under anaerobicconditions and in the dark. After 45 minutes of reaction, the NO releasewas measured as a function of irradiation using a chemiluminescencedetector. As shown, the highest four NO release rates were achieved for420 nm light, 410 nm light, 448 nm light, and 470 nm light,respectively, with each exhibiting a peak release rate near anirradiance value of about 2 J/cm², while all wavelengths exhibiting areduced or negligible NO release rate as irradiance values approached 20J/cm². Referring to FIG. 60 , total NO released from cytochrome c-NO wasquantified by integrating the data on NO release rate of FIG. 59 . Asshown, the highest four amounts of total NO release were achieved for420 nm light, 410 nm light, 448 nm light, and 470 nm light,respectively.

FIG. 61 is a plot of NO release rate (PPB/s) versus irradiance (J/cm²)from cytochrome c-oxidase NO for ten (10) different wavelengths ofincoherent light ranging from 410 nm to 850 nm. Nitric oxide was addedto cytochrome c oxidase by reacting with proline-NONOate in PBS (pH 6.5)under anaerobic conditions and in the dark. After 45 minutes ofreaction, the NO release was measured as a function of irradiation usinga chemiluminescence detector. As shown, the highest four NO releaserates were achieved for 410 nm light, 420 nm light, 448 nm light, and470 nm light, respectively. For 410 nm light, NO release rate generallyincreased with increasing irradiance, whereas for other wavelengths, atleast a local peak of NO release rate was achieved for irradiance valuesof around 1 to 2 J/cm², followed by an increase in NO release rate withincreasing irradiance for 420 nm light, 448 nm light, and 470 nm light,but higher wavelengths of light resulted in decreased NO release ratewith increasing irradiance. Referring to FIG. 62 , total NO releasedfrom cytochrome c-oxidase-NO was quantified by integrating the data onNO release rate of FIG. 61 . The highest three amounts of total NOrelease were achieved for 410 nm light, 420 nm light, and 448 nm light,respectively, with greater slopes for shorter wavelengths.

FIG. 63 is a plot of NO release rate (PPB/s) versus irradiance (J/cm²)from mitochondria-NO for ten (10) different wavelengths of incoherentlight ranging from 410 nm to 850 nm. Nitric oxide was added tomitochondria isolated from bovine heart by reacting it withS-nitrosoglutatione in PBS (pH 6.5) under anaerobic conditions and inthe dark. After 45 minutes of reaction, the NO release was measured as afunction of irradiation using a chemiluminescence detector. As shown,the highest four NO release rates were achieved for 410 nm light, 420 nmlight, 448 nm light, and 470 nm light, respectively. For eachwavelength, a peak of NO release rate was achieved for irradiance valuesin a range of from about 2 to 4 J/cm², followed by a decrease in NOrelease rate with increasing irradiance. Referring to FIG. 64 , total NOreleased from mitochondria-NO was quantified by integrating the data onNO release rate of FIG. 63 . The highest four amounts of total NOrelease were achieved for 410 nm light, 420 nm light, 448 nm light, and470 nm light, respectively.

The preceding FIGS. 53 to 64 show that different types of bonds (e.g.,RSNO, RNNO, and metal-NO) may require different light wavelengths and/orlight irradiation values to effectuate release of nitric oxide. Based onthe data represented in FIGS. 53 to 64 , an important wavelength ofinterest is 420 nm, since this wavelength represents perhaps the closestsafe wavelength to the ultraviolet range (since substantially allincoherent emissions having a peak wavelength of 420 nm, includingportions tailing above and below this peak value, remain well above the400 nm UV threshold), exhibits a demonstrated high (or highest) NOrelease from a wide range of proteins (Hemoglobin-NO,S-Nitrosglutathione (GSNO), Albumin-NO, Cytochrome c-NO, Cytochrome coxidase-NO, and Mitochondria-NO), and appears to lead to enzymaticgeneration of NO. A secondary wavelength of interest is 530 nm, since itappears to be more effective than longer wavelength red at triggering NOrelease from GSNO. These conclusions contradict various findings in theart (e.g., by Karu, T, Handbook of Laser Wavelengths, Chapter 48,“Low-Power Laser Therapy”, pp. 48-1 to 48-25 (2003); by Ball, K., etal., “Low intensity light stimulates nitrite-dependent nitric oxidantsynthesis but not oxygen consumption by cytochrome c oxidase:implications for phototherapy,” Journal of Photochemistry andPhotobiology B: Biology 102 (2011) 182-191; and by Hamblin, M., “TheRole of Nitric Oxide in Low Level Light Therapy,” Proc. of SPIE Vol.6846, 684602, (2008)) that red light including wavelengths in a range offrom 605 nm to 820 nm may be particularly suitable for releasing NO fromheme groups of CCO, for release of NO from CCO generally, and forincreased ATP synthesis.

Based on the findings that short wavelength blue light is effective forenhancing endogenous stores of nitric oxide and/or triggering nitricoxide release, one aspect of the disclosure relates to a method ofmodulating nitric oxide in living mammalian tissue, the methodcomprising: impinging light on the tissue, wherein the light impinged onthe tissue comprises incoherent light emissions including a first peakwavelength in a range of from 410 nm to 440 nm and a first radiant flux,and wherein the first peak wavelength and the first radiant flux areselected to stimulate at least one of (i) enzymatic generation of nitricoxide to increase endogenous stores of nitric oxide or (ii) release ofnitric oxide from endogenous stores of nitric oxide; wherein the lightimpinged on the tissue is substantially devoid of light emissions havinga peak wavelength in a range of from 600 nm to 900 nm (e.g.,encompassing red visible light as well as a portion of the infraredrange). An absence of red and/or infrared light contradicts variousreferences describing the desirability of red and/or infrared light asprimary wavelengths for skin penetration and to provide phototherapeuticbenefit.

In certain embodiments, the light impinged on the tissue is devoid ofemissions of any wavelength conversion material (e.g., a phosphor, aquantum dot, or another lumiphoric material) stimulated by incoherentlight emissions having a peak wavelength in a range of from 410 nm to440 nm. In certain embodiments, the tissue on which light is impinged isdevoid of an applied or received photosensitive therapeutic compound oragent (e.g., a pharmaceutical composition or the like, which may beadministered topically, orally, or via injection). In certainembodiments, at least 65%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, orat least 95% of a fluence of light impinged on the tissue consists ofthe incoherent light emissions including a first peak wavelength in arange of from 410 to 440 nm. In certain embodiments, the light impingedon the tissue is substantially devoid of light emissions having a peakwavelength in a range of from 441 nm to 490 nm. In certain embodiments,the incoherent light emissions including a first peak wavelength in arange of from 410 nm to 440 nm are provided as a plurality of discretepulses.

In certain embodiments, the light impinged on the tissue furthercomprises incoherent light emissions including a second peak wavelengthin a range of from 500 nm to 540 nm. This is consistent with Applicant'sfinding that light having a peak wavelength of 530 nm appears to be moreeffective than certain other wavelengths (including longer wavelengthred) at triggering NO release from GSNO. In certain embodiments, theincoherent light emissions including a first peak wavelength in a rangeof from 410 nm to 440 nm are impinged on the tissue during a first timewindow, the incoherent light emissions including a second peakwavelength in a range of from 500 nm to 540 nm are impinged on thetissue during a second time window, and at least a portion of the secondtime window is non-overlapping with the first time window.

In certain embodiments, the first peak wavelength and the first radiantflux are selected to stimulate enzymatic generation of nitric oxide toincrease endogenous stores of nitric oxide. In certain embodiments, thefirst peak wavelength and the first radiant flux are selected to releasenitric oxide from the endogenous stores of nitric oxide.

In certain embodiments, the tissue comprises at least one of epithelialtissue, mucosal tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue, or cervicaltissue. In certain embodiments, the tissue comprises dermal tissue. Incertain embodiments, a method further comprises sensing a temperaturecondition on or proximate to (a) a therapeutic device arranged toimpinge light on the tissue, or (b) the tissue; generating at least onesignal indicative of the temperature condition; and controllingimpingement of light on the tissue responsive to the at least onesignal. In certain embodiments, the light impinged on the tissuecomprises a fluence in a range of from about 0.5 J/cm² to about 100J/cm², or from about 2 J/cm² to about 80 J/cm², or from about 5 J/cm² toabout 50 J/cm².

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a device for modulatingnitric oxide in living mammalian tissue, the device comprising: anambient light blocking element; and at least one first light emittingelement positioned between the ambient light blocking element and thetissue, wherein the at least one first light emitting element isconfigured to impinge incoherent light on the tissue, said incoherentlight having a first peak wavelength and a first radiant flux, whereinthe first peak wavelength and the first radiant flux are selected tostimulate at least one of (i) enzymatic generation of nitric oxide toincrease endogenous stores of nitric oxide or (ii) release of nitricoxide from endogenous stores of nitric oxide; wherein the device issubstantially devoid of any light emitting element configured to impingeon the tissue light having a peak wavelength in a range of from 600 nmto 900 nm.

In certain embodiments, the device is substantially devoid of any lightemitting element configured to impinge light having a peak wavelength ina range of from 441 nm to 490 nm on the tissue. In certain embodiments,the device is devoid of any wavelength conversion material configured tobe stimulated by the at least one first light emitting element. Incertain embodiments, the device further comprises a flexible substratesupporting the at least one first light emitting element. In certainembodiments, the device is configured to conform to the tissue with alight-transmissive material arranged in contact with the tissue. Incertain embodiments, the light impinged on the tissue is substantiallydevoid of light emissions having a peak wavelength in a range of from441 nm to 490 nm. In certain embodiments, the device further comprisesdriver circuitry configured to generate the incoherent light emissionsincluding the first peak wavelength, wherein the first peak wavelengthis in a range of from 410 nm to 440 nm, and said incoherent lightemissions comprise a plurality of discrete pulses.

In certain embodiments, the device further comprises at least one secondlight emitting element configured to impinge incoherent light on thetissue, said incoherent light having a second peak wavelength and asecond radiant flux, wherein the second peak wavelength is in a range offrom 500 nm to 540 nm. In certain embodiments, the device is configuredto impinge incoherent light emissions including the first peakwavelength during a first time window, wherein the first peak wavelengthis in a range of from 410 nm to 440 nm, and being configured to impingeincoherent light emissions including the second peak wavelength in arange of from 500 nm to 530 nm during a second time window, wherein atleast a portion of the second time window is non-overlapping with thefirst time window. In certain embodiments, the device further comprisesa probe configured for insertion into a mammalian body cavity or opening(e.g., incision) defined in a mammalian body, wherein the at least onefirst light emitting element is supported by the probe.

FIG. 65 is a perspective view illustration of a cross-section of dermisand epidermis layers of human skin showing various types of cellscontaining nitric oxide synthases or enzymes. Such image is reproducedfrom Cals-Grierson, M. M and Ormerod, A. D. Nitric Oxide 10 (2004)179-193. As shown, the epidermis (extending from the stratum corneum toand including the basal layer) includes keratinocytes, Langerhans cells,and melanocytes, whereas the dermis (under the basal layer) includesfibroblasts and microvasculature. Different NOS enzymes occur indifferent layers of the skin. nNOS (or NOS1) is present inkeratinocytes; eNOS (or NOS3) is present in fibroblasts, melanocytes,and the endothelium; and iNOS (or NOS2) is present throughout. Both nNOSand eNOS are calcium dependent enzymes, iNOS is inducible and thereforeincreases in response to the immune system.

FIG. 66 is a related art cross-sectional illustration of human skin witha superimposed representation of depth penetration of coherent (e.g.,laser) light of eight different wavelengths ranging from 420 nm to 755nm. Such image is sourced fromwww.spectrumsciencebeauty.com.au./2014/09/16/ipl-hair-removal/#prettyPhoto/0/.FIG. 66 shows a single hair follicle (below the value of “640 nm”, at adepth of between 2 and 3 mm). As shown, the conclusion in the art isthat blue light (e.g., 420 nm, 480 nm) is incapable of penetrating humanskin to a sufficient depth to reach a hair follicle.

Applicant performed various experiments to contradict thisconclusion—instead confirming that coherent blue light is capable ofpenetrating human skin to a depth sufficient to reach hair follicles.Irradiance transmitted through full thickness skin was measured as afunction of wavelength for laser and LED light sources. Light sourceswere matched to have equivalent irradiance as measured by a commonphotodiode. Wavelength was also matched between laser and LED lightsources. FIGS. 67A, 68A, and 69A embody upper perspective viewphotographs of transmittance of incoherent (LED) light and coherent(laser) light through Caucasian (Fitzpatrick Skin Type II) human skinsamples, with the respective figures separately corresponding to red(660 nm peak wavelength), green (530 nm peak wavelength), and blue (420nm peak wavelength) sources. Human skin samples of different thicknesses(1.3 mm and 2.5 mm) were used in each instance. FIGS. 67B, 68B, and 69Bembody plots of light transmittance percentage as a function of skinthickness (mm) for transmittance of incoherent (LED) light and coherent(laser) light through the human skin samples of two differentthicknesses. In each of FIGS. 67B, 68B, and 69B, a significantly greaterpercentage of incoherent (LED) light was transmitted through skin thancoherent (laser) light. Notably, referring to FIG. 69B, nearly 40% ofthe incoherent (420 nm peak) blue light was transmitted through aCaucasian skin sample having a thickness of 2.5 mm, whereas a low singledigit percentage of coherent blue light was transmitted through the samesample.

To determine whether red, green, and blue coherent and incoherent lightcan penetrate skin of racially diverse types, experiments were performedusing the apparatuses of FIGS. 67A, 67B, and 67C using human skinsamples of three different thicknesses for each of two differentpigmentations (i.e., African American skin of Fitzpatrick Skin Type V,and Caucasian skin of Fitzpatrick Skin Type II). Results of theseexperiments for red (660 nm peak wavelength), green (530 nm peakwavelength), and blue (420 nm peak wavelength) sources are shown inFIGS. 70 to 72 , respectively. As shown, despite the different skinpigmentation, the samples of African American skin of Fitzpatrick SkinType V and samples of Caucasian skin of Fitzpatrick Skin Type II skinsamples performed similarly with respect to light transmittanceproperties. As shown in FIG. 70 , red incoherent (LED) light wastransmitted through each sample at more than twice the percentage of redcoherent (laser) light. As shown in FIGS. 71 and 72 , green and blueincoherent (LED) light were transmitted through each sample at more thantwice the percentage of green and blue coherent (laser) light,respectively. Conclusions to be gleaned from the foregoing experimentsare that LEDs appear to be at least as effective as lasers (forwavelengths of 420-660 nm) at penetrating skin of different types; andthat a high percentage of blue LED light is capable of penetratingCaucasian and African American skin at depths of 2.5 mm or more.

In certain embodiments, methods and devices disclosed herein may be usedto enhance nitric oxide production and/or release to provide a hair losssolution (e.g., for treating androgenic alopecia and/or similarconditions). Hair loss is caused by an increase in DHT produced by theenzyme 5α-reductase. In particular, 5α-reductase reacts withtestosterone and NADPH to produce dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which leadsto shrinkage of hair follicles and hair loss. Applicant performedexperiments to determine whether nitric oxide inhibits 5α-reductase, tothereby provide a potential for decreasing DHT concentration in thescalp and inhibit (or reverse) hair loss. S-Nitrosoglutathione (GSNO)was used as a NO donor. Nitric oxide is released from GSNO by NADPH,which is a necessary cofactor for the 5α-reductase enzyme.

FIG. 73 is a plot of percentage of DHT remaining as a function ofNO-donor concentration (mM) for six values ranging from 0 to 50 mM,showing that lower percentages of DHT remaining are correlated withincreased nitric oxide donor (e.g., GSNO) concentrations. FIG. 74 is aplot of percentage of DHT remaining as a function of NO-donorconcentration (mM) for dark conditions and 420 nm light exposureconditions for NO-donor concentrations of 0 and 1 mM. Inhibition wasstill observed in the dark because the nitric oxide donor releasesnitric oxide under the conditions of the assay. FIG. 74 shows that lightdoes not have a detrimental effect on NO-induced inhibition. Asdemonstrated previously herein, modulated light therapy releases nitricoxide, which can then inhibit 5α-reductase and thereby provide atherapeutic benefit in terms of reduced (or reversed) hair loss forsuffers of androgenic alopecia and/or similar conditions.

Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modificationsto the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. All suchimprovements and modifications are considered within the scope of theconcepts disclosed herein and the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: impinging light having afirst peak wavelength on tissue; impinging light having a second peakwavelength on the tissue; and impinging light having a third peakwavelength on the tissue; wherein the second peak wavelength differsfrom the first peak wavelength by at least 25 nanometers (nm); andwherein the third peak wavelength differs from each of the first peakwavelength and the second peak wavelength by at least 10 nm.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein: the first peak wavelength is in a range from320 nm to 399 nm; the second peak wavelength is in a range from 410 nmto 440 nm; and the third peak wavelength is in a range from 600 nm to900 nm.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first peak wavelength, thesecond peak wavelength, and the third peak wavelength are impinged onthe tissue at a same time.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein: the firstpeak wavelength is impinged on the tissue during a first time window;the second peak wavelength is impinged on the tissue during a secondtime window; and the third peak wavelength is impinged on the tissueduring a third time window.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein at least aportion of the first time window, the second time window, and the thirdtime window overlap with one another.
 6. The method of claim 4, whereinthe first time window, the second time window, and the third time windoware non-overlapping with one another.
 7. The method of claim 6, whereinthe second time window is initiated more than one minute afterconclusion of the first time window.
 8. The method of claim 7, whereinsecond time window is initiated in a range from more than one minute toone hour after conclusion of the first time window.
 9. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the light having the first peak wavelength isadministered with a first radiant flux profile that decreases during thefirst time window.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first peakwavelength is in a range from 320 nm to 399 nm.
 11. The method of claim9, wherein the light having the second peak wavelength is administeredwith a second radiant flux profile that increases during the second timewindow.
 12. The method of claim 4, wherein the first peak wavelength isimpinged on the tissue during the first time window in a first series ofdiscrete pulses that decrease in intensity during the first time window.13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first peak wavelength is in arange from 320 nm to 399 nm.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein thesecond peak wavelength is impinged on the tissue during the second timewindow in a second series of discrete pulses that vary in intensityduring the second time window.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein: atleast one of the first peak wavelength, the second peak wavelength, andthe third peak wavelength stimulates a first biological function; and adifferent one of the first peak wavelength, the second peak wavelength,and the third peak wavelength stimulates a second biological functionthat is different than the first biological function.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the first and second biological functions comprisedifferent ones of altering the concentration or growth of pathogens,decreasing inflammation, promoting collagen synthesis, modulating animmune response, releasing nitric oxide from endogenous stores of nitricoxide, and stimulating enzymatic generation of nitric oxide.
 17. Amethod comprising: impinging light having a first peak wavelength in arange from 320 nanometers (nm) to 399 nm on tissue during a first timewindow with a radiant flux profile that decreases within the first timewindow; and impinging light having a second peak wavelength on thetissue during a second time window that begins after conclusion of thefirst time window, the second peak wavelength being greater than thefirst peak wavelength by at least 10 nm.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein the second peak wavelength is in a range from 410 nm to 440 nmand less than 5% of the light having the second peak wavelength is lessthan 400 nm.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the second time windowis greater than the first time window.
 20. The method of claim 17,wherein the second time window begins in a range from more than oneminute to one hour after conclusion of the first time window.
 21. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the first peak wavelength is impinged on thetissue during the first time window in a first series of discrete pulsesthat decrease in intensity during the first time window.
 22. The methodof claim 17, further comprising imping light having a third peakwavelength on the tissue during a third time window that begins afterconclusion of the second time window, wherein the third peak wavelengthdiffers from each of the first peak wavelength and the second peakwavelength by at least 10 nm.
 23. The method of claim 17, wherein thetissue comprises mucosal tissue within a body cavity of a patient.